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Objective: Patient‐reported outcome measures, while valuable, may not correlate with diagnostic test results. To better understand this potential discrepancy, our objective was to determine whether psychological health is an effect modifier of the association between patient‐reported allergy outcome scores and allergy test results. Study Design: Prospective outcomes study. Setting: Tertiary care hospital and community‐based clinic. Methods: This study included 600 patients at least 18 years of age who presented for symptoms related to allergic rhinitis and completed the related sinonasal outcome test (SNOT), which includes validated nasal, allergy, and psychological domains. Stratified analyses of odds ratios and Spearman correlation coefficients were utilized to assess for effect modification by psychological status. Results: Worse patient‐reported allergic rhinitis symptoms were significantly associated with positive allergy test results (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22‐2.34, P =.002) in patients with better psychological health. In contrast, there was no association in patients with worse psychological health (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.36‐3.10, P =.92). These findings were corroborated by assessments of correlation: allergy domain scores were positively correlated with allergy testing scores (Spearman rho 0.18, 95% CI 0.10‐0.25, P <.001) in patients with better psychological health, while there was no correlation in patients with worse psychological health (−0.02, 95% CI −0.16‐0.12, P =.77). Conclusions: Psychological status was an effect modifier of the association between allergy domain and allergy testing data. When assessing the relationship between subjective measures, such as sinonasal validated instruments, and objective measures, such as allergy test results, accounting for effect modifiers such as psychological state can provide clinical and research‐related insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the diagnostic yield of patients undergoing evaluation for superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), and identify alternative conditions diagnosed in patients suspected of, but not ultimately diagnosed with, SCDS. Methods: Diagnostically undifferentiated adult patients suspected of having SCDS were identified between 2016 and 2021 at a tertiary academic medical system. Patients were categorized by diagnostic testing, radiographic superior semicircular canal (SSC) abnormality, symptoms, evaluating clinician specialty, operative intervention, and diagnosis. Differences among groups were assessed for statistical significance. Results: Of 1242 candidate patients, 477 met inclusion criteria—evaluation by a clinician with SCDS on their differential diagnosis prior to diagnostic imaging. The mean (SD) age was 53.0 (15.0) years and 70.6% were female. A total of 364 patients underwent subsequent diagnostic imaging, and among these, 164 (45.1%) had a radiographic SSC abnormality with 99 (27.2%) receiving a diagnosis of SCDS (two cases of "near dehiscence syndrome"). One third (33.3%) of patients with SCDS underwent operative repair. Most clinicians with the initial suspicion for SCDS were otolaryngologists (90.6%), who had greater diagnostic yield than clinicians from other specialties (22.2% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.012). Patients not diagnosed with SCDS alternatively received 21 unique diagnoses and 52.1% (138/265) were not definitively diagnosed with any condition. Conclusions: This study characterizes the diagnostic incidence, or yield, of newly identified radiographic SSC abnormalities (45.1%) and SCDS (27.2%) among people suspected of having SCDS. Considerable overlap in presentation between SCDS and other conditions exists, and there is need for improvement in efficiently diagnosing patients with SCDS and audio‐vestibular complaints in general. Level of Evidence: III Laryngoscope, 134:4095–4100, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are generated on the surface of thin films of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) fabricated by spin coating on silicon. Previous studies have shown the appearance of LIPSS in this type of materials with femtosecond laser pulses in the near‐infrared region of the spectrum, despite the extremely low absorption of the polymer. The present work consists of an exploration of the effect of adding complexity to the femtosecond laser fields employed for irradiation. Changes in the repetition rate of the pulse train, the pulse duration, and the pulse temporal chirp are explored, and conditions for optimum LIPSS formation are identified. The effects of these modifications on the polymer surface topography, assessed by atomic force microscopy, are described and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multispecies and ecosystem models, which are key for the implementation of ecosystem‐based approaches to fisheries management, require extensive data on the trophic interactions between marine organisms, including changes over time. DNA metabarcoding, by allowing the simultaneous taxonomic identification of the community present in hundreds of samples, could be used for speeding up large‐scale stomach content data collection. Yet, for DNA metabarcoding to be routinely implemented, technical challenges should be addressed, such as the potentially complicated sampling logistics, the detection of a high proportion of predator DNA, and the inability to provide reliable abundance estimations. Here, we present a DNA metabarcoding assay developed to examine the diet of five commercially important fish, which can be feasibly incorporated into routinary samplings. The method is devised to speed up the analysis process by avoiding the stomach dissection and content extraction steps, while preventing the amplification of predator DNA by using blocking primers. Tested in mock samples and in real stomach samples, the method has proven effective and shows great effectiveness discerning diet variations due to predator ecology or prey availability. Additionally, by applying our protocol to mackerel stomachs previously analyzed by visual inspection, we showcase how DNA metabarcoding could complement visually based data by detecting overlooked prey by the visual approach. We finally discuss how DNA metabarcoding‐based data can contribute to trophic data collection. Our work reinforces the potential of DNA metabarcoding for the study and monitoring of fish trophic interactions and provides a basis for its incorporation into routine monitoring programs, which will be critical for the implementation of ecosystem‐based approaches to fisheries management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the influence on peri‐implant crestal bone loss exerted by the vertical mucosal thickness and the abutment height over 12 months after placement of the restoration on subcrestal implants with change of platform, using a restoration abutment platform smaller than the implant platform. Materials and Methods: A total of 99 implants were rehabilitated in the maxillary and mandibular posterior regions. A total of 22 implants were rehabilitated in the maxilla and 77 implants in the mandible, using digitally designed customized abutments with Atlantis weborder software, from the commercial house Dentsply Sirona (Dentsply Sirona S.A., Barcelona, Spain), version 4.6.5, adapting the height to the vertical thickness of the mucosa. Clinical and radiographic monitoring begins during the surgical procedure of placement of the implant and ends 12 months afterwards. Crestal bone loss was evaluated through the Carestream® CS8100 3D radiographic equipment. Results: In all cases, the greatest loss of marginal bone occurred between the day of surgery (Tx) and placement of the rehabilitation (To). The average bone loss between both times was greater when the abutment height and vertical mucosal thickness did not exceed 3 mm. Subsequently, bone loss slowed and stabilized at 12 months. Conclusions: The minimum abutment height and the vertical mucosal thickness are factors to take into account when minimizing peri‐implant marginal bone loss, the abutment height having the greatest importance according to the clinical data obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion The purpose of this study was to determine the etiologies of recurrent miscarriage in our hospital and whether its diagnostic approach followed the recommendations of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines published in 2012 and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in 2011.This was a retrospective study. The medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage between 2013 and 2018 at Santander University Hospital were reviewed. The Institutional Review Board of HUS approved the study in May 2020.The most common etiologies identified were protein S deficiency, thrombophilia, and cervical insufficiency, with incidence rates of 25.9%, 10.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, the most frequently requested diagnostic tests were for protein S, protein C, and anti‐phospholipid IgG. Abnormal results for protein S were obtained in 49% of the patients, whereas lupus anticoagulant was abnormal in 12.8%, and Factor V Leiden gene mutations in 8.5% of the patients. Three substantial deviations from the recommended diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage by international guidelines were identified in our population: the lack of request for cytogenetic analysis of pregnancy tissue, request for cytogenetic analysis for the parents in only 0.6% of the study sample, and the request for imaging tests to assess uterine anatomy in only 6.3% of the studied population. Both the ASRM and NICE guidelines were only partially followed with a combined adherence rate of 66.5%.The diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage poses important clinical challenges when compared to the recommendations of international guidelines. Therefore, the development of a local recurrent miscarriage assessment protocol is proposed in our institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1 (TIA‐1) is a key RNA‐binding protein that participates in translation regulation and RNA splicing. TIA‐1 undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation as a fundamental mechanism that enables the condensation of RNA and proteins into membraneless organelles called stress granules (SGs). However, this dynamic behavior can lead to aberrant fibril formation, implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, and must be tightly regulated. In this study, we investigated the role in the cell of histidine residues His94 and His96, responsible for Zn2+ binding. Using fluorescence microscopy, we found that the specific binding site formed by these residues is critical for SG assembly. Furthermore, it also plays a role maintaining the dynamic behavior of SG‐assembled TIA‐1. Collectively, our findings confirm the physiological relevance of TIA‐1 His94 and His96 in the Zn2+‐mediated regulatory mechanism for protection against fibril formation in SGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted to investigate buried archaeological remains at Tingambato, a pre‐Tarascan classic‐epiclassic archaeological site located in the north‐central part of the State of Michoacán in western Mexico, using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The aim of this study was to detect the foundations (ancient buried walls) and cavities (tombs), define the geometry of the foundations and correlate construction style and depth with relative chronological buried structures. The survey was carried out on two grids of 15 m × 37 m (Zona Verde) and 10.25 m × 36.5 m (Ballgame court), using a 200 MHz antenna for GPR and Schlumberger‐Wenner arrays for ERT. GPR 3D acquisition was carried out along parallel lines spaced 0.25 m apart in a single direction. In the first area, considering the geometric shape found at a depth of 1.35 m, we can assume the existence of a buried structure, probably wall remains. In the second area, a very diffractive zone coincides with a resistive anomaly (> 2000 ohm·m). In order to refine the GPR results, synthetic modelling and a comparison with real traces were carried out. The 1D GPR modelling allows us to precise the presence of a cavity with a rectangular cross section. Since the type of volcaniclastic avalanche deposits of the subsoil do not allow the formation of cavities of that size, we infer that it may be the remains of a tomb or an anthropogenic cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a severe rare liver disease that affects between 1/50,000 and 1/100,000 children. In physiological conditions, bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and then it flows to the small intestine to play its role in fat digestion. To prevent tissue damage, bile acids (BAs) are kept in phospholipid micelles. Mutations in phosphatidyl choline transporter ABCB4 (MDR3) lead to intrahepatic accumulation of free BAs that result in liver damage. PFIC3 onset usually occurs at early ages, progresses rapidly, and the prognosis is poor. Currently, besides the palliative use of ursodeoxycholate, the only available treatment for this disease is liver transplantation, which is really challenging for short‐aged patients. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of PFIC3 we have performed an integrated proteomics and phosphoproteomics study in human liver samples to then validate the emerging functional hypotheses in a PFIC3 murine model. We identified 6246 protein groups, 324 proteins among them showing differential expression between control and PFIC3. The phosphoproteomic analysis allowed the identification of 5090 phosphopeptides, from which 215 corresponding to 157 protein groups, were differentially phosphorylated in PFIC3, including MDR3. Regulation of essential cellular processes and structures, such as inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell proliferation, were identified as the main drivers of the disease. Our results provide a strong molecular background that significantly contributes to a better understanding of PFIC3 and provides new concepts that might prove useful in the clinical management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of electronics with net zero carbon emissions through more efficient and environmentally friendly materials and processes is still a challenge. Here, alternative chemical synthesis routes of metal conductive nanoparticles, based on biodegradable materials are explored, such as nickel, iron–nickel alloy and iron nanoparticles, to be used, in the long term, as fillers in inks for inject printing. Thus, Ni and FeNi metal nanoparticles of 25–12 nm, forming aggregates of 614–574 nm, respectively, are synthesized in water in the presence of a polyol and a reducing agent and under microwave heating that enables a more uniform and fast heating. Iron nanoparticles of 120 ± 40 nm are synthesized in polyol that limits the aggregation and the oxidation degree. Commercial metal nanoparticles of iron and nickel, are coated with ethylene glycol and used for comparison. The conductivity of nanoparticles when pressed into pellets remains similar for both commercial and synthesized samples. However, when deposited on a strip line and heated, synthesized Ni, FeNi, and Fe nanoparticles show significant conductivity and interesting magnetic properties. It is demonstrated that the nanosize facilitates sintering at reduced temperatures and the capping agents prevent oxidation, resulting in promising conductive fillers for printed electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen is essential for tissue regeneration, playing a crucial role in several processes, including cell metabolism and immune response. Therefore, the delivery of oxygen to wounds is an active field of research, and recent studies have highlighted the potential use of photosynthetic biomaterials as alternative oxygenation approach. However, while plants have traditionally been used to enhance tissue regeneration, their potential to produce and deliver local oxygen to wounds has not yet been explored. Hence, in this work we studied the oxygen‐releasing capacity of Marchantia polymorpha explants, showing their capacity to release oxygen under different illumination settings and temperatures. Moreover, co‐culture experiments revealed that the presence of these explants had no adverse effects on the viability and morphology of fibroblasts in vitro, nor on the viability of zebrafish larvae in vivo. Furthermore, oxygraphy assays demonstrate that these explants could fulfill the oxygen metabolic requirements of zebrafish larvae and freshly isolated skin biopsies ex vivo. Finally, the biocompatibility of explants was confirmed through a human skin irritation test conducted in healthy volunteers following the ISO‐10993‐10‐2010. This proof‐of‐concept study provides valuable scientific insights, proposing the potential use of freshly isolated plants as biocompatible low‐cost oxygen delivery systems for wound healing and tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To contribute to the recognition of psychotherapeutic nursing (PTN) as a regulated advanced clinical practice (ACP) in Spain, as is the case in other countries. Background: Nurses are continually evolving to improve overall health outcomes. PTN has become a reality, with several authors describing it as an ACP. In Spain, psychotherapy is not officially regulated, which has led to a significant number of psychiatric nurses adopting an important ACP in this area without recognition. Sources of evidence: Evidence confirms that PTN possesses the attributes necessary to be considered an ACP. Nurses, like psychotherapists, independently address the complex needs of individuals and families within the context of therapeutic relationships, and there is a pressing need to advance formal processes of regulation and certification. Discussion: PTN has evolved at different rates depending on local initiatives, policies and various professional interests. In Spain, it is crucial to evaluate its outcomes, recognise it as an ACP and develop training plans for its regulation and accreditation. Conclusions: Mental health nurses in Spain have a strong interest in PTN being recognised as an ACP. To this end, they should join forces with other partners, scientific associations and international bodies such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to make PTN an internationally recognised ACP. Implications for nursing practice: Psychotherapeutic nurses could contribute to improving mental health outcomes, client satisfaction and health system efficiency, and their formal recognition is an opportunity to enhance their professional identity, competence and autonomy. Implications for nursing policy: Nursing policy needs to be reoriented towards strengthening psychotherapy as an ACP. Synergies and alliances between international nursing associations and the ICN can promote its development and implementation, while research, education and leadership are essential to achieving official regulation and accreditation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the temporal variations in methane concentration and flare activity in the Hola trough (offshore Norway) during May 2018 and June 2022. Between these time periods, methane seep activity exhibits 3.5 times increase, as evidenced by hydroacoustic measurements. As the seep area in the Hola trough is constantly within the hydrate stability zone, the observed increase cannot be attributed to migration of its shallow boundary due to temperature increase. However, a combination of low tide conditions resulting in a lower sediment pore pressure and a bottom water temperature increase resulting in a lower methane solubility is likely to explain the increase in the number of seeps observed in June 2022. The hypothesis of tide influence is supported by data collected from a piezometer deployed and recovered during the cruise showing that the tidal effect was observed 3 m below the seafloor. Despite the numerous methane seeps detected, methane concentration and gas flow rates near the seafloor were low (<19 nM and <70 mL min−1, respectively) compared to other areas with methane seep activity. This is likely due to strong currents rapidly dispersing methane in the water column. Sub‐seafloor investigations identified pathways for gas migration in methane seep areas, influenced by topography. This study provides valuable insights into the temporal dynamics of methane concentrations, flare activity, and gas distribution in the Hola trough, contributing to our understanding of offshore methane dynamics in the region. Plain Language Summary: The Hola Trough, offshore Norway's Lofoten‐Vesterålen (LoVe) area, has been of interest for many years due to its rich marine life and potential oil and gas resources. There, coral mounds thrive around methane seepage. The LoVe observatory network monitors this unique environment. Using this observatory platform, associated data set and research expeditions at sea, the project EMAN7 (Environmental impact of Methane seepage and sub‐seabed characterization at LoVe‐Node 7) aims to understand the environmental impact of methane seepage as well as its spatio‐temporal variability. The comparison of methane seep activity during two summers with different environmental conditions revealed 3.5 times more seeps when a combination of warmer bottom water and low tide changes the sediment pore properties. A sensor recording subseafloor pore pressure and bottom temperature supports these findings. Sub‐seafloor investigations identified routes for gas migration in methane seep areas, influenced by topography. Key Points: A combination of warmer bottom water and low tide increases methane seeps 3.5 times by altering sediment gas solubility and pore pressureIntermittent seeps and strong oceanic currents explain the limited microbial mats and the low methane concentration in the water columnWe found sub‐seafloor pathways for gas migration in methane seep areas, influenced by topography [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomechanical properties of bio‐compatible polymers play crucial roles in tissue engineering scaffolds and filtration devices. The hygro‐mechanical properties of those fibers have been mostly studied from a very coarse perspective, reaching a micrometer‐scale. However, at the nanoscale the mechanical response of polymeric fibers becomes more challenging due to both experimental‐theoretical limitations. In particular, the environment‐mediated mechanical response of polymer‐fibers demands advanced models that consider sub‐nanometric changes in the local structure of water‐intercalated with single‐polymer‐chains. Herein, atomic force‐microscopy (AFM) experiments, analytical theory, and simulations are combined to determine the elastic properties of the nanofibers as a function of relative humidity. The effect of morphological changes from the adsorbed water‐layer, and an ensemble of inter‐chain interaction strength and morphological changes at peak‐forces are explored. For the polyvinyl‐alcohol (PVA) nanofibers, considerable differences are found, which are strongly dependent on the molecular signatures of hydration‐adsorption at a polymer‐chain level. Here, the semi‐empirical model plays a key role in properly interpreting experiments by evaluating only a few observables, the height, phase (dissipation), and alternatively the force‐distance curves. Beyond the semi‐empirical model, an analytical approach to calculate the peak‐forces of hygroscopic materials is featured, which enables on‐the‐fly characterization of the samples, and thus the interactive adjustment of operational‐parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in COVID‐19 raises significant clinical and public health issues. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to compile and analyze the current literature on NOAF in COVID‐19 and give a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and outcomes of NOAF in COVID‐19. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using several databases. The random effect model using inverse variance method and DerSimonian and Laird estimator of Tua2 was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and associated 95% confidence interval (CI). Results for outcome analysis were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI and pooled using the Mantel‐Haenszel random‐effects model. The pooled prevalence of NOAF in COVID‐19 was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.54%–9.32%),a pooled estimate from 30 articles (81 929 COVID‐19 patients). Furthermore, our analysis reported that COVID‐19 patients with NOAF had a higher risk of developing severe disease compared with COVID‐19 patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 3.75–6.09) and COVID‐19 patients with a history of pre‐existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.10–3.59). Similarly, our analysis also indicated that COVID‐19 patients with NOAF had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality compared with, COVID‐19 patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.99–4.92) and COVID‐19 patients with a history of pre‐existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.35–3.96). The meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant publication bias. The results indicate a strong correlation between NOAF and a higher risk of severe illness and mortality. These results emphasize the importance of careful surveillance, early detection, and customized NOAF management strategies to improve clinical outcomes for COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and assess the validity of a novel allergy‐specific domain for the 22‐item sino‐nasal outcomes test (SNOT‐22), to provide a new tool that efficiently quantifies the impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) concurrent with chronic rhinosinusitis. Study Design: Prospective validation study. Setting: Tertiary care hospital and community‐based clinic. Methods: Proposed items were developed based on clinician and patient input, and further assessed via factor analysis and for internal consistency (n = 1987). Items were then additionally assessed for convergent and discriminant validity (n = 415), applying data from concurrent completions of the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness Scale (NOSE), Mini‐Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ), and validated global health assessments. Assessments of intra‐rater reliability, responsiveness to change, and qualitative input were also performed. Results: Factor analysis demonstrated that proposed allergy items mapped to a single domain. Items were internally consistent (Cronbach α: 0.80 within domain, 0.91 within all SNOT). In assessments of convergent validity, domain scores were associated with MiniRQLQ (Spearman's ρ: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30‐0.59) and NOSE scores (0.36, 95% CI: 0.27‐0.44). The novel items also discriminated among clinical states: a 1‐point increase in domain score was associated with an 8.32 (95% CI: 5.43‐12.75) increase in the odds of prompting a visit for allergy‐related symptoms and a 1.52 (95% CI: 1.13‐2.05) increase in the odds of positive allergy testing. Intra‐rater reliability was substantial (Cohen's κ: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8‐0.9), and responsiveness to change was demonstrated (mean difference: −0.6, 95% CI: −0.8 to −0.4). Conclusions: This novel domain is a valid, efficient measure of AR alongside rhinosinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the reduction reactions of two cytosolic human peroxiredoxins (Prx) in their disulfide form by three thioredoxins (Trx; two human and one bacterial), with the aim of better understanding the rate and mechanism of those reactions, and their relevance in the context of the catalytic cycle of Prx. We have developed a new methodology based on stopped‐flow and intrinsic fluorescence to study the bimolecular reactions, and found rate constants in the range of 105–106 m−1 s−1 in all cases, showing that there is no marked kinetic preference for the expected Trx partner. By combining experimental findings and molecular dynamics studies, we found that the reactivity of the nucleophilic cysteine (CN) in the Trx is greatly affected by the formation of the Prx–Trx complex. The protein–protein interaction forces the CN thiolate into an unfavorable hydrophobic microenvironment that reduces its hydration and results in a remarkable acceleration of the thiol‐disulfide exchange reactions by more than three orders of magnitude and also produces a measurable shift in the pKa of the CN. This mechanism of activation of the thiol disulfide exchange may help understand the reduction of Prx by alternative reductants involved in redox signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inversion of petrophysical parameters from seismic data represents a fundamental step in the process of characterizing the subsurface, with applications ranging from subsurface resource exploration to geothermal, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen storage. We propose a novel, data‐driven approach, named Seis2Rock, that utilizes optimal basis functions learned from well‐log information to create a direct link between pre‐stack seismic data and so‐called band‐limited petrophysical reflectivities. Seis2Rock is composed of two stages: training and inference. During training, a set of optimal basis functions are identified by performing singular value decomposition on one or more synthetic amplitude variation with offset gathers created from measured or rock‐physics synthesized elastic well logs. In inference, seismic pre‐stack data are first projected into a set of band‐limited petrophysical reflectivities using the previously computed basis functions; this is followed by regularized post‐stack seismic inversion of the individual properties. In this work, we apply the Seis2Rock methodology to a synthetic data set based on the Smeaheia reservoir model and to the open Volve field data set. Our numerical results reveal the ability of the proposed method in recovering accurate porosity, shale content, and water saturation models. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied in the context of reservoir monitoring to invert time‐lapse, pre‐stack seismic data for water saturation changes. Plain Language Summary: The current study presents a new approach to characterizing the subsurface through the use of seismic data. Petrophysical parameters, such as porosity and fluid saturations, inform geoscientists about the location and volume of fluids that could be present in a certain area of the subsurface. We propose a method, termed Seis2Rock, which can directly map seismic data to petrophysical properties. First, using petrophysical measurements from previously drilled wells, we find a direct relationship between the observed petrophysical properties and the seismic data at the well locations. Once such direct relationship is learned, it is applied to the remaining seismic data, which covers areas with no petrophysical data available. Tested on synthetic and field data, we illustrated that Seis2Rock can accurately predict the spatial distribution of porosity, shale content, and water saturation in the subsurface. Moreover, as the subsurface changes due to human interactions, for example, hydrocarbon extraction, CO2 and hydrogen injection for storage purposes, Seis2Rock can be repurposed to monitor changes occurring through time, such as tracking how fluid moves within a reservoir. Key Points: A data‐driven approach to petrophysical inversion from pre‐stack seismic data via simple, and interpretable algebraic operationsPetrophysical reflectivities are introduced to directly link training and test data and to recover full‐bandwidth petrophysical parametersA robust, end‐to‐end workflow is established on synthetic and field data for subsurface characterization and monitoring [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar 'USDA Diamondback' (Reg. no. CV‐353, PI 698822) was released by the USDA‐ARS in 2022 as a high‐yielding cultivar with an upright architecture and the slow‐darkening seed coat trait. It was bred for tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in a "purgatory" plot purposely managed to have compacted soil, low soil fertility, and intermittent drought conditions. Conversely, selection for high yield potential was conducted in non‐stress trials with tillage, irrigations, and fertilizers applied for optimal production. USDA Diamondback exhibits wide adaption to production regions across the United States, as evidenced by an average seed yield of 3808 kg ha−1 across 14 location‐years in the Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery. Virus testing and resistance gene–linked markers indicate USDA Diamondback has a three‐gene combination (bc‐ud, bc‐1, and bc‐3) that confers durable resistance to all known strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. A similar combination of pathogen and marker testing indicated that USDA Diamondback possesses the Ur‐3 and Ur‐6 genes for resistance to bean rust. The seed size, appearance, and canning quality characteristics of USDA Diamondback meets the industry standards for packaging and processing. Core Ideas: USDA Diamondback was bred for high yield potential under both favorable and stressful environments.USDA Diamondback has the slow‐darkening trait that maintains seed coat brightness during prolonged storage.USDA Diamondback has above‐average canning quality.USDA Diamondback is resistant to all known strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isoflavones genistein and daidzein are flavonoid compounds mainly found in legumes, especially in soybeans and their derived products. These flavonoids can be present in agricultural, domestic and industrial wastewater effluents as a result of anthropogenic activities and may be discharged in the environment. Due to the large growth of the aquaculture sector in recent decades, new and cost‐effective fish feeds are being sought, but there is also a particular need to determine the effects of exposed flavonoids on fish in the aquatic environment, as this is the main route of exposure of organisms to endocrine disruptors. This study evaluated the possible effects of these isoflavones on juveniles of Solea senegalensis and Solea solea. After 48–96 h of exposure, the acetylcholinesterase activity in the sole head tissues was measured, and the cholinesterase activity in juveniles of common sole (S. solea) was determined. Experiments were carried out to determine the optimal pH, investigate the specificity of three substrates (acetylthiocholine, butyrylthiocholine, propionylthiocholine) on cholinesterase activity and determine the kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km). The results obtained showed that neither genistein nor daidzein exposure to S. senegalensis and S. solea inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase at the tested concentrations (genistein: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L; daidzein: 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/L). Possible effects of isoflavones on juveniles of different species of flatfish were evaluated. After 48–96 h of exposure with genistein and daidzein, the acetylcholinesterase activity in the sole head tissues did not showed significant differences with the control. Likewise, optimal pH, specificity of three substrates (acetylthiocholine, butyrylthiocholine, and propionylthiocholine) on cholinesterase activity and kinetic parameters (Vmax and km) were determined on Solea solea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In an era of vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery where functional preservation is increasingly emphasized, persistent postoperative dizziness is a relatively understudied functional outcome. The primary objective was to develop a predictive model to identify patients at risk for developing persistent postoperative dizziness after VS resection. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent VS surgery at our institution with a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow‐up. Demographic, tumor‐specific, preoperative, and immediate postoperative features were collected as predictors. The primary outcome was self‐reported dizziness at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up. Binary and multiclass machine learning classification models were developed using these features. Results: A total of 1,137 cases were used for modeling. The median age was 67 years, and 54% were female. Median tumor size was 2 cm, and the most common approach was suboccipital (85%). Overall, 63% of patients did not report postoperative dizziness at any timepoint; 11% at 3‐month follow‐up; 9% at 6‐months; and 17% at 12‐months. Both binary and multiclass models achieved high performance with AUCs of 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. Features important to model predictions were preoperative headache, need for physical therapy on discharge, vitamin D deficiency, and systemic comorbidities. Conclusion: We demonstrate the feasibility of a machine learning approach to predict persistent dizziness following vestibular schwannoma surgery with high accuracy. These models could be used to provide quantitative estimates of risk, helping counsel patients on what to expect after surgery and manage patients proactively in the postoperative setting. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3534–3539, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: While general health may be influenced by sinonasal symptoms, their effects may be overshadowed by comorbid states which may be more serious. To assess the validity of this postulate, we measured the extent to which sinonasal symptoms and concurrent conditions influenced general health. Study Design: Observational outcomes study. Setting: Academic medical center, community care sites. Methods: Adults with sinonasal symptoms completed the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test, along with the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global health short form. Comorbidities were categorized with the Deyo modification of the Charlson comorbidity index. Multivariate regression analyses were utilized to determine the relative impact of sinonasal symptoms and concurrent comorbid conditions on general health. Results: Data from 219 consecutive patients demonstrated that sinonasal symptoms were associated with significantly diminished general physical (β = −1.431, p <.001), mental (β = −1.000, p <.001), overall (β = −1.026, p <.001), and social health (β = −0.872, p =.003), regardless of the presence of potentially life‐threatening comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions included cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, and hepatic disease. The effect of sinonasal symptoms was neither subsumed nor overshadowed by the effects of comorbid states. Nasal, ear, sleep, and psychological domain scores were also associated with general physical, mental, and global health while adjusting for the impact of comorbidities. Conclusion: Sinonasal symptoms have a substantial effect on general health which is not subsumed by the presence of potentially life‐threatening concurrent comorbidities. These data may help support the importance of funding and resource allocation for conditions causing sinonasal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses various cases of bone marrow failure syndrome (BMFS) caused by mutations in the ERCC6L2 gene. BMFS is a group of disorders characterized by low blood cell counts and often presents in infancy. The article compares different cases and provides a table summarizing families diagnosed with BMFS worldwide. Another document presents a table of genetic variants found in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), providing information on the type, pathogenicity, and frequency of the variants. Lastly, a case study of two siblings diagnosed with BMFS-2 is presented, highlighting the importance of early detection and genetic analysis for guiding treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Computational human body models (HBMs) can identify potential injury pathways not easily accessible through experimental studies, such as whiplash induced injuries. However, previous computational studies investigating neck response to simulated impact conditions have neglected the effect of pre‐impact neck posture and muscle pre‐tension on the intervertebral kinematics and tissue‐level response. The purpose of the present study was addressing this knowledge gap using a detailed neck model subjected to simulated low‐acceleration rear impact conditions, towards improved intervertebral kinematics and soft tissue response for injury assessment. An improved muscle path implementation in the model enabled the modeling of muscle pre‐tension using experimental muscle pre‐stretch data determined from previous cadaver studies. Cadaveric neck impact tests and human volunteer tests with the corresponding cervical spine posture were simulated using a detailed neck model with the reported boundary conditions and no muscle activation. Computed intervertebral kinematics of the model with pre‐tension achieved, for the first time, the S‐shape behavior of the neck observed in low severity rear impacts of both cadaver and volunteer studies. The maximum first principal strain in the muscles for the model with pre‐tension was 27% higher than that without pre‐tension. Although, the pre‐impact neck posture was updated to match the average posture reported in the experimental tests, the change in posture was generally small with only small changes in vertebral kinematics and muscle strain. This study provides a method to incorporate muscle pre‐tension in HBM and quantifies the importance of pre‐tension in calculating tissue‐level distractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caloric restriction is a non‐pharmacological intervention known to ameliorate the metabolic defects associated with aging, including insulin resistance. The levels of miRNA expression may represent a predictive tool for aging‐related alterations. In order to investigate the role of miRNAs underlying insulin resistance in adipose tissue during the early stages of aging, 3‐ and 12‐month‐old male animals fed ad libitum, and 12‐month‐old male animals fed with a 20% caloric restricted diet were used. In this work we demonstrate that specific miRNAs may contribute to the impaired insulin‐stimulated glucose metabolism specifically in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue, through the regulation of target genes implicated in the insulin signaling cascade. Moreover, the expression of these miRNAs is modified by caloric restriction in middle‐aged animals, in accordance with the improvement of the metabolic state. Overall, our work demonstrates that alterations in posttranscriptional gene expression because of miRNAs dysregulation might represent an endogenous mechanism by which insulin response in the subcutaneous fat depot is already affected at middle age. Importantly, caloric restriction could prevent this modulation, demonstrating that certain miRNAs could constitute potential biomarkers of age‐related metabolic alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to indirectly compare the efficacy of personalized prophylaxis with simoctocog alfa (Nuwiq®) versus three extended half-life (EHL) recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) concentrates. Methods: Treatment effects were compared using matching-adjusted indirect comparisons after matching individual patient-level baseline characteristics for simoctocog alfa (pharmacokinetic [PK]-guided personalized prophylaxis) against published aggregate personalized prophylaxis data for efmoroctocog alfa, damoctocog alfa pegol, and rurioctocog alfa pegol. Results: A higher percentage (p < .001) of patients with zero bleeds was found with simoctocog alfa compared with efmoroctocog alfa (75% vs. 45%), damoctocog alfa pegol (77% vs. 38%), and rurioctocog alfa pegol (target trough level 1%-3%; 78% vs. 42%). Similar efficacy was found comparing simoctocog alfa against rurioctocog alfa pegol 8%-12% (77% vs. 62%). The mean total annualized bleeding rate was lower (p < .001) with simoctocog alfa than damoctocog alfa pegol (1.5 vs. 4.9). Consistent with approved dosing, the mean FVIII weekly dose was higher (p < .001) for simoctocog alfa than efmoroctocog alfa, damoctocog alfa pegol, or rurioctocog alfa pegol 1%-3%, but lower (p < .001) than rurioctocog alfa pegol 8%-12%. Conclusions: Indirect comparisons demonstrated that PK-guided, personalized prophylaxis with simoctocog alfa can lead to higher zero bleed rates compared with personalized EHL rFVIII concentrate regimens, albeit with higher weekly doses, and a lower percentage of patients treated twice weekly or less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucocutaneous eruptions are associated with numerous infectious processes and can present as erythema multiforme (EM), reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME), Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Limited reports have detailed the association of these eruptions with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We present a series of eight cases of severe mucocutaneous blistering eruptions associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A retrospective case series was performed at six tertiary medical centers from March 1, 2020 to August 1, 2022. Inclusion criteria were met with a clinical diagnosis of EM, RIME, SJS, or TEN and a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test (rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction) less than 4 weeks prior to onset of dermatologic manifestation. Data was collected at time of each patient encounter. Eight patients met criteria with six pediatric patients (<18 years of age) having a median age of 15 years and two adult patients (>18 years of age) having a median age of 36 years. Patients were found to have a clinical diagnosis of RIME in 85.7% of cases. Oral mucosal involvement was the most common clinical finding (100%), followed by ocular (50.0%), urogenital (50.0%), and skin (37.5%) involvement. Evaluation did not reveal any additional infectious triggers in four patients. Evidence of possible concurrent or previous infectious triggers were identified in four patients. This case series highlights the development of severe mucocutaneous eruptions in association with COVID‐19 infection, as well as the potential contributing role of concurrent or prior infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine normative values for the Inner Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (Inner EAR) scale, a validated instrument utilized to study the impact of hearing loss and potential treatments. Study Design: Observational outcomes study. Setting: Academic medical center and community care sites. Methods: We included patients who were at least 18 years of age and completed the Inner EAR scale, pure‐tone audiometry, and word recognition score assessment. Based on audiometry results, patients were categorized as having: (1) normal bilateral hearing, (2) unilateral hearing loss, and (3) bilateral hearing loss. The distributions of Inner EAR scale scores were assessed within each category. Fisher's exact test was utilized to determine whether data‐driven threshold values could discriminate among the 3 clinical groups. Results: Two hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with hearing‐related complaints met inclusion criteria. Mean Inner EAR scores for patients with bilateral hearing loss (29.2, interquartile range [IQR] 10‐41.5), unilateral hearing loss (38.9, IQR 23‐49), and normal hearing (46.6, IQR 31‐62) were significantly different (analysis of variance F < 0.0001). An Inner EAR score threshold of 50 supported the ability to statistically significantly discriminate between bilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p =.003), as well as between unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p =.015). Conclusion: An Inner EAR score normative threshold value of 50 provides significant discriminatory ability between normal hearing and unilateral or bilateral hearing loss on audiometry. Normative values provide useful, frequently referenced data when assessing responses to treatment. Based on these data, this threshold may help distinguish patients with and without perceived functional impact from hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatin homeostasis mediates essential processes in eukaryotes, where histone chaperones have emerged as major regulatory factors during DNA replication, repair, and transcription. The dynamic nature of these processes, however, has severely impeded their characterization at the molecular level. Here, fluorescence optical tweezers are applied to follow histone chaperone dynamics in real time. The molecular action of SET/template-activating factor-l/β and nucleophosmin 1-representing the two most common histone chaperone folds-are examined using both nucleosomes and isolated histones. It is shown that these chaperones present binding specificity for fully dismantled nucleosomes and are able to recognize and disrupt non-native histone-DNA interactions. Furthermore, the histone eviction process and its modulation by cytochrome c are scrutinized. This approach shows that despite the different structures of these chaperones, they present conserved modes of action mediating nucleosome remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teledyne Imaging Sensors (TIS) is the leading supplier of infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) to astronomy and TIS plays a strong role in providing image sensors for Earth and Planetary Science. This article starts with a brief introduction to TIS' technologies and image sensor products. We then present some of TIS' deliveries to space missions and ground‐based telescopes. The space missions include ESA's Euclid Dark Universe mission and several NASA missions (James Webb Space Telescope, Roman Space Telescope, SPHEREx, EMIT). TIS continues to serve ground‐based astronomy by providing the H2RG and the world's largest high‐performance infrared astronomy FPA, the H4RG‐15, to several ground‐based observatories. Active programs will be described. Ongoing work includes NASA's NEO Surveyor asteroid surveillance mission, ESA's Ariel exo‐planet spectroscopy mission, and deliveries to the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the test results of science grade 4 K × 4 K HgCdTe H4RG‐15 and H4RG‐10 SWIR 2.5 μm sensor chip assemblies (SCAs). Teledyne's 4 K × 4 K, 15 and 10 μm pixel pitch infrared arrays are developed for space and era of Extremely Large Telescopes. They are currently being used in new instrumentation on existing telescopes and missions. We report data on H4RG‐15 and H4RG‐10 arrays that have achieved science grade performance. For H4RG‐15 and H4RG‐10: very low dark current (<0.005 e−/pixel/s at 80 K and <0.01 e−/pixel/s at 95 K), high quantum efficiency >70–90%, single CDS readout noise <20 e−, operability >99%, total crosstalk <1.5%, well capacity >70 ke−, and power dissipation less than 4 mW are routinely achieved. These SCAs are substrate‐removed HgCdTe, which simultaneously detect visible and infrared light, enabling spectrographs to use a single SCA for visible‐IR sensitivity. Larger focal plane arrays can be constructed by assembling mosaics of individual arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methotrexate (MTX) is a readily accessible drug, first used in 1948 and employed for a wide variety of indications since then. However, despite widespread off‐label use, FDA labeling does not include approved indications for the use of MTX for many inflammatory skin diseases in pediatric patients, including morphea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, among others. Without published treatment guidelines, some clinicians may be hesitant to use MTX off‐label, or uncomfortable prescribing MTX in this population. To address this unmet need, an expert consensus committee was convened to develop evidence‐ and consensus‐based guidelines for use of MTX to treat pediatric inflammatory skin disease. Clinicians with experience and expertise in clinical research, drug development, and treating inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients with MTX were recruited. Five committees were created based on major topic areas: (1) indications and contraindications, (2) dosing, (3) interactions with immunizations and medications, (4) adverse effects (potential for and management of), and (5) monitoring needs. Pertinent questions were generated and addressed by the relevant committee. The entire group participated in a modified Delphi process to establish agreement on recommendations for each question. The committee developed 46 evidence‐ and consensus‐based recommendations, each with >70% agreement among members, across all five topics. These are presented in tables and text, along with a discussion of supporting literature, and level of evidence. These evidence‐ and consensus‐based recommendations will support safe and effective use of MTX for the underserved population of pediatric patients who may benefit from this valuable, time‐honored medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new water‐soluble formulation with ciclopirox has shown a higher penetration than other ciclopirox nail lacquers currently marketed, thus providing a higher concentration of ciclopirox into the nail. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer compared with its vehicle and an active comparator (hydroxypropyl chitosan‐based 80 mg/g ciclopirox nail lacquer) for the treatment of toenail fungal infection. Methods: Phase III, multicenter, randomised, double‐blind, clinical trial in patients with distal mild to moderate toenail onychomycosis due to dermatophyte fungi. Patients were randomised to apply topically a ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer, its vehicle or a reference product once daily for 48 weeks with a follow‐up period of 4 weeks up to week 52. Results: A total of 381 patients were included. No statistically significant differences were observed between patient groups in the proportion of subjects achieving a complete cure. At week 52, a higher percentage of patients in the ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer group achieved a mycological cure (negative for culture and DTS/KOH test, with results: 32.0% ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer, 23.2% vehicle and 27% reference product, respectively), and similar results were found for improvement (mycological cure and reduction of diseased nail ≥20%, with results: 27.2% ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer, 21.6% vehicle and 20.6% reference product, respectively). Regarding mycological results, only ciclopirox nail hydrolacquer demonstrated significant statistical superiority versus vehicle negativizing dermatophyte culture (p =.039) with no recurrences, relapses or re‐infections in a four‐week follow‐up patients with complete cure. The safety profile was comparable to the vehicle and reference product and consistent with the previously reported. Conclusions: A new water‐soluble formulation for a ciclopirox nail lacquer showed similar efficacy to the reference product to eradicate toenail onychomycosis and superiority in the mycological cure defined by negative culture, thus preventing reinfections and recurrences. Efficacy and safety data demonstrate the positive benefit–risk profile of this new topical antifungal preparation. [Correction added on 13 April 2023, after first online publication: The results and conclusions in the Abstract contained incorrect information and were revised in this version.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture provides food, raw materials, and employment opportunities for a significant percentage of the world's population. Climate, economic, political, social, and other conditions affect decision making in agricultural processes. In many cases, these conditions imply the loss of suitability of many areas for some traditional crops. In contrast, these areas can produce new crops by taking advantage of changing conditions. In this sense, having reliable tools and information for decision making is essential in adapting to new agricultural productivity scenarios. The above implies having sufficient and relevant data sources to reduce the uncertainty in the decision‐making processes. However, data by nature tend to be diverse in structure, storage formats, and access protocols. Data fusion tasks have been immersed in a multitude of applications and have been approached from different points of view when implementing a suitable solution. We propose a multi‐domain data fusion strategy to support data analysis tasks in agricultural contexts. We also describe all the data sources collected, which are the main input to the proposed strategy. The combined data sources were also evaluated through a preliminary exploratory analysis in a multi‐label learning approach. Finally, the data fusion strategy is explained through an example in agricultural crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the association between Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) and anxiety and depressive disorders. SCDS is a rare condition characterized by a bony defect of the superior semicircular canal, and its symptoms overlap with other otologic and neurologic diseases, leading to diagnostic delays. The study conducted a retrospective case-control study of adult patients within a healthcare system and found that SCDS patients had significantly higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders compared to a matched control population. The study suggests that screening for mental illness and providing appropriate psychiatric support for SCDS patients is warranted. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as incomplete documentation of SCDS symptoms and the need for further research on the relationship between SCDS and psychiatric disorders. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Forest fungal communities are shaped by the interactions between host tree root systems and the associated soil conditions. We investigated how the soil environment, root morphological traits, and root chemistry influence root‐inhabiting fungal communities in three tropical forest sites of varying successional status in Xishuangbanna, China.For 150 trees of 66 species, we measured root morphology and tissue chemistry. Tree species identity was confirmed by sequencing rbcL, and root‐associated fungal (RAF) communities were determined using high‐throughput ITS2 sequencing.Using distance‐based redundancy analysis and hierarchical variation partitioning, we quantified the relative importance of two soil variables (site average total phosphorus and available phosphorus), four root traits (dry matter content, tissue density, specific tip abundance, and forks), and three root tissue elemental concentrations (nitrogen, calcium, and manganese) on RAF community dissimilarity. The root and soil environment collectively explained 23% of RAF compositional variation. Soil phosphorus explained 76% of that variation. Twenty fungal taxa differentiated RAF communities among the three sites.Soil phosphorus most strongly affects RAF assemblages in this tropical forest. Variation in root calcium and manganese concentrations and root morphology among tree hosts, principally an architectural trade‐off between dense, highly branched vs less‐dense, herringbone‐type root systems, are important secondary determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), 'USDA Rattler' (Reg. no. CV‐350, PI 693789), was released by the USDA‐ARS in 2021 as a high‐yielding, upright, full‐season cultivar with abiotic stress tolerance. It was bred for broad adaptation to the different bean production regions across the United States by selection for high yield performance under nonstress and multiple stress trials in Washington state. The multiple stress trials included a "purgatory" plot with low fertility, intermittent drought, and soil compaction, and a separate trial which simulated terminal drought. Conversely, the nonstress trials were well watered and fertilized to optimize yield potential. Yield stability is evidenced by the mean seed yield for the breeding line PT11‐13, from which USDA Rattler was selected, numerically exceeding the trial means for 33 of 38 location‐years. Broad adaptation for USDA Rattler is further evidenced by an average seed yield of 4547 kg ha−1 across 10 location‐years in the Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery. Genetic markers as well as pathogen testing indicate USDA Rattler has I and bc‐3 gene combination for durable resistance to all known strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. Greenhouse testing with four races of the rust pathogen indicated USDA Rattler is fixed for the Ur‐3 resistance gene but is heterogenous for presence of the Ur‐11 resistance gene. The seed size, appearance, and canning quality characteristics of USDA Rattler meets the industry standards for packaging and processing. Core Ideas: USDA Rattler was bred for high yield potential under both favorable and stressful environments.USDA Rattler performed well in our "purgatory plot" used to select for drought and low soil fertility tolerance.USDA Rattler is resistant to all known strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus.USDA Rattler is widely adapted to production regions across the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity–biomass relationships (DBRs) often vary with spatial scale in terrestrial ecosystems, but the mechanisms driving these scale‐dependent patterns remain unclear, especially for highly heterogeneous forest ecosystems. This study explores how mutualistic associations between trees and different mycorrhizal fungi, i.e., arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) vs. ectomycorrhizal (EM) association, modulate scale‐dependent DBRs. We hypothesized that in soil‐heterogeneous forests with a mixture of AM and EM tree species, (i) AM and EM tree species would respond in contrasting ways (i.e., positively vs. negatively, respectively) to increasing soil fertility, (ii) AM tree dominance would contribute to higher tree diversity and EM tree dominance to greater standing biomass, and that as a result (iii) mycorrhizal associations would exert an overall negative effect on DBRs across spatial scales. To empirically test these hypotheses, we collected detailed tree distribution and soil information (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, pH) from seven temperate and subtropical AM–EM mixed forest megaplots (16–50 ha). Using a spatial codispersion null model and structural equation modeling, we identified the relationships among AM or EM tree dominance, soil fertility, tree species diversity, and biomass and, thus, DBRs across 0.01‐ to 1‐ha scales. We found the first evidence overall supporting the three aforementioned hypotheses in these AM–EM mixed forests: (i) In most forests, with increasing soil fertility, tree communities changed from EM‐dominated to AM‐dominated; (ii) increasing AM tree dominance had an overall positive effect on tree diversity and a negative effect on biomass, even after controlling for soil fertility and number of trees. Together, (iii) the changes in mycorrhizal dominance along soil fertility gradients weakened the positive DBR observed at 0.01‐ to 0.04‐ha scales in nearly all forests and drove negative DBRs at 0.25‐ to 1‐ha scales in four out of seven forests. Hence, this study highlights a soil‐related mycorrhizal dominance mechanism that could partly explain why, in many natural forests, biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships shift from positive to negative with increasing spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the historical descriptive origins of the extracranial transnasal transsphenoidal route to the sphenoid sinus and sella turcica focusing on the works of two otolaryngologists: Markus Hajek (1861–1941) and Oskar Hirsch (1877–1965). Data Sources: A collection of primary references of author publications, and contemporary references and textbooks. Review Methods: Primary references were reviewed with specific focus on surgical routes to the sphenoid sinus and sella turcica. Chronology was cross‐referenced with contemporary publications by contemporaries. Translations from German were conducted by author AM when necessary. Results: Markus Hajek elegantly described the surgical approach to the posterior ethmoids and sphenoid sinus in 1904 using a transnasal route. Building on this foundation, Oskar Hirsch described the fully extracranial endonasal transethmoid transsphenoidal approach in 1909. He was first to describe surgical entrance to the sella using this exclusively unilateral endonasal route, which he demonstrated on a cadaver. He reports performing this procedure on a live patient in April, 1910, under local anesthesia in stages over 5 weeks. For better exposure, Hirsch consolidated his method with Killian's submucosal window resection of the posterior nasal septum allowing for bilateral access to the sphenoid sinus and sella, and completed a single stage procedure on a patient in June 1910. Conclusion: Oskar Hirsch was the first to describe and perform a stepwise surgical approach to the sella using an exclusively extracranial, endonasal, transethmoid, and transsphenoidal approach. He built upon his mentor Markus Hajek's approaches to the posterior ethmoid cells and sphenoid sinus. Level of Evidence: NA: Background information, synthesis from multiple sources emphasizing factual information Laryngoscope, 133:807–813, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Mesoamerican crops constitute wild‐to‐domesticated complexes generated by multiple initial domestication events, and continuous gene flow among crop populations and between these populations and their wild relatives. It has been suggested that the domestication of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) started in the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, from where it spread to other regions inside and outside of Mexico. We tested this hypothesis by assembling chloroplast genomes of 23 wild, landraces, and breeding lines (transgene‐introgressed and conventional). The phylogenetic analysis showed that the evolutionary history of cotton in Mexico involves multiple events of introgression and genetic divergence. From this, we conclude that Mexican landraces arose from multiple wild populations. Our results also revealed that their structural and functional chloroplast organizations had been preserved. However, genetic diversity decreases as a consequence of domestication, mainly in transgene‐introgressed (TI) individuals (π = 0.00020, 0.00001, 0.00016, 0, and 0, of wild, TI‐wild, landraces, TI‐landraces, and breeding lines, respectively). We identified homologous regions that differentiate wild from domesticated plants and indicate a relationship among the samples. A decrease in genetic diversity associated with transgene introgression in cotton was identified for the first time, and our outcomes are therefore relevant to both biosecurity and agrobiodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that courses with skin depigmentation because of the destruction of melanocytes. Vitiliginous melanocyte is prone to damage because of oxidative stress which activates cellular stress response and the release of heat shock proteins such as HSP70 promoting immune activation against the melanocyte. Variants in HSP70 genes (HSPA) might alter their expression and thus modulate vitiligo susceptibility. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the role of the 5′ untranslated region HSPA1A G/C (rs1043618) and the exonic HSPA1B A/G (rs1061581) and HSPA1L T/C (rs2227956) gene variants in nonsegmental vitiligo. Methods: A total of 200 nonsegmental vitiligo patients and 208 age/gender‐matched healthy subjects were genotyped for rs1043618, rs1061581, and rs2227956 variants by PCR‐RFLP. Results: Variants rs1043618 and rs1061581 were not associated with vitiligo susceptibility. On the other hand, the rs2227956 C allele and TC genotype were associated with protection against vitiligo. A similar effect was observed for the GAC haplotype. Any of the aforementioned HSP70 gene variants were associated with the clinical characteristics of vitiligo. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the HSPA1L rs2227956 gene variant might influence the susceptibility to vitiligo. Being the first study of HSP70 gene variants in vitiligo, further research is encouraged to corroborate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify alterations in steroid metabolism in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) through the analysis of their urinary steroid profile (USP). Methods: Cross‐sectional study with one study group (NFAIs, cortisol post dexamethasone suppression test [DST] ≤ 1.8 µg/dl [49.7 nmol/L]) and 2 control groups: patients with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS group, cortisol post‐DST > 1.8 µg/dl (49.7 nmol/L) and patients without adrenal tumours (healthy‐adrenal group). Twenty‐four‐hour urine collections for USP measurement (total and free fraction of 51 24 h‐urine specimens) were obtained from 73 participants (24 with NFAIs, 24 without AIs, and 25 with ACS). USP was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Patients of the three groups were matched according to sex, age (±5 years‐old) and body mass index (±5 kg/m2). Results: Compared to healthy‐adrenal controls, patients with NFAIs had a lower excretion of androgen metabolites (230.5 ± 190.12 vs. 388.7 ± 328.58 µg/24 h, p =.046) and a higher excretion of urinary free cortisol (UFC) (54.3 ± 66.07 vs. 25.4 ± 11.16 µg/24 h, p =.038). UFC was above the reference range in 20.8% of patients in the NFAI, compared to 0% in the healthy‐adrenal group (p =.018). Patients with ACS had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes than patients with NFAIs or the control group. A lower excretion of androgen metabolites (218.4 ± 204.24 vs. 231 ± 190 µg/24 h, p =.041) and a nonsignificant higher excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (2129.6 ± 1195.96 vs. 1550.8 ± 810.03 µg/24 h, p =.180) was found in patients with ACS compared to patients with NFAIs. Conclusion: NFAIs seem to secrete a subtle, yet clinically relevant, excess of glucocorticoids. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings; and to identify metabolic alterations associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) is a patient self‐reporting questionnaire for clinical diagnostics and patient‐reported outcome (PRO), which may assess the symptoms and the effect on the quality of life in women with acute cystitis (AC). The current study aimed to create a validated Spanish version of the ACSS questionnaire. Material and Methods: The process of linguistic validation of the Spanish version of the ACSS consisted of the independent forward and backward translations, revision and reconciliation, and cognitive assessment. Clinical evaluation of the study version of the ACSS was carried out in clinics in Spain and Latin America. Statistical tests included the calculation of Cronbach's α, split‐half reliability, specificity, sensitivity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The study was performed on 132 patients [age (mean;SD) 45.0;17.8 years] with AC and 55 controls (44.5;12.2 years). Cronbach's α of the ACSS was 0.86, and the split‐half reliability was 0.82. The summary scores of the ACSS domains were significantly higher in patients than in controls, 16.0 and 2.0 (p < 0.001), respectively. The predefined cut‐off point of ≥6 for a summary score of the "Typical" domain resulted in a specificity of 83.6% and a sensitivity of 99.2% for the Spanish version of the ACSS. AUC was 0.91 [0.85; 0.97]. Conclusions: The validated Spanish ACSS questionnaire evaluates the symptoms and clinical outcomes of patients with AC. It can be used as a patient's self‐diagnosis of AC, as a PRO measure tool, and help to rule out other pathologies in patients with voiding syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital ichthyosis is a genodermatosis characterized by abnormal epidermal differentiation. The neonatal period is critical for patients with ichthyosis because of the risk for significant comorbidities and associated mortality, with most complications resulting from impaired barrier function. Early recognition can significantly alter the clinical course of this rare disease. Here we present a neonate with ichthyosis, leukocyte vacuoles, alopecia, and sclerosing cholangitis syndrome (ILVASC), a rare inherited disease, to highlight how an interdisciplinary approach led to prompt assessment, confirmation of a genetic diagnosis and management of potential complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the effects of deforestation and the projected differential sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies between the tropical North Atlantic and the eastern North Pacific on the mid‐summer drought (MSD) over southern Mexico and Central America. To address these issues, we performed a set of three 6‐year (1996–2001) sensitivity experiments with RegCM4 driven by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis and employing different SST (projected end of century patterns under the RCP8.5 scenario) and vegetation (turning forest landuse into grass) configurations. The model domain follows the specifications of the COrdinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) for Central America. Results indicate that projected SST patterns cause the MSD signal to almost disappear from the regional mean annual cycle, with its spatial extent decreasing from ~82 to ~48%. In the vegetation sensitivity experiment, the MSD intensity increases along the Pacific coast and Central America, while the MSD spatial extent remains almost unchanged. These regional changes in MSD can be explained in terms of the regional precipitation response to deforestation, primarily due to changes in vertical moisture advection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]