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Scholars and advocates are at odds about how to achieve higher levels of child safety and permanency. Calls for change include the recent upEND focus on eradication of child welfare services to a radical refocusing of the present system towards prevention/early intervention. To clarify the implications of reform over abolition, we seek to portray a future in which the abolition of child welfare has occurred, in juxtaposition to maintaining four core elements of established child maltreatment programmes around the world: (1) receiving and responding to community signals about the risk to children; (2) assessment of need coupled with a proportionate response; (3) rights protections to ensure fairness when placement outside the family is required; and (4) procedures for accountability and quality improvement. For each of these functions, we outline abolitionist advocates' positions and implications for children and parents. Across these elements, we delineate how assigning these responsibilities to communities, as suggested by upEND, would likely (1) exaggerate racial and economic inequities and (2) create structural barriers that would increase harm to children. We suggest several evidence‐informed enhancements to practice, research and policy that would mitigate these inequities while also increasing safety and permanency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working in a field that underrepresents populations outside Western societies, social psychologists in the Asia‐Pacific region encounter challenges in conducting research and imparting knowledge about social behaviour that resonates with local contexts. This paper argues that teaching can be a pathway for social psychology to rectify this representation problem. In this study, we report the results of our survey designed to contribute to an initial understanding of how and what social psychology is currently taught. Collectively, our survey respondents teach social psychology to over 12,000 students each year across 11 societies in the region. Results indicate that social psychology is seen as a crucial part of psychology education. About 80% of the respondents agreed that students should be taught that what is known in the international literature may not apply to a local context. At the same time, about 70% of the content taught was estimated to come from Western countries. Our findings highlight an opportunity for social psychology to evolve through teaching that embraces a more inclusive approach to meet societal demands for sound psychological knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of arsenic heterocycles derived from saccharides 2–4 and AsCl3. Compounds 5 and 6 are stable in aqueous solutions, DMSO, or methanolic solutions. However, NMR and HPLC studies revealed that intramolecular trans‐esterification processes leads to dynamic equilibria. Theoretical studies revealed that three arsenates and two arsoranes participate in these intramolecular equilibria and account for the experimental spectroscopy and HPLC results. Through the correlation between the experimental and theoretical 13C NMR spectra, we proposed the speciation of arsenic Compounds 5 and 6. Moreover, experimental and theoretical IR spectra demonstrated that arsenates 5 A and 6 A predominate in the solid state. QTAIM studies were performed to explain the chemical shifts in the 13C NMR spectra. Biological studies suggest that the structural flexibility of Compounds 5 and 6 increase the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses a threat to biodiversity, and it is unclear whether species can adapt to or tolerate new conditions, or migrate to areas with suitable habitats. Reconstructions of range shifts that occurred in response to environmental changes since the last glacial maximum (LGM) from species distribution models (SDMs) can provide useful data to inform conservation efforts. However, different SDM algorithms and climate reconstructions often produce contrasting patterns, and validation methods typically focus on accuracy in recreating current distributions, limiting their relevance for assessing predictions to the past or future. We modeled historically suitable habitat for the threatened North American tree green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica using 24 SDMs built using two climate models, three calibration regions, and four modeling algorithms. We evaluated the SDMs using contemporary data with spatial block cross‐validation and compared the relative support for alternative models using a novel integrative method based on coupled demographic‐genetic simulations. We simulated genomic datasets using habitat suitability of each of the 24 SDMs in a spatially‐explicit model. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) was then used to evaluate the support for alternative SDMs through comparisons to an empirical population genomic dataset. Models had very similar performance when assessed with contemporary occurrences using spatial cross‐validation, but ABC model selection analyses consistently supported SDMs based on the CCSM climate model, an intermediate calibration extent, and the generalized linear modeling algorithm. Finally, we projected the future range of green ash under four climate change scenarios. Future projections using the SDMs selected via ABC suggest only minor shifts in suitable habitat for this species, while some of those that were rejected predicted dramatic changes. Our results highlight the different inferences that may result from the application of alternative distribution modeling algorithms and provide a novel approach for selecting among a set of competing SDMs with independent data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Food security is threatened by climate change, with heat and drought being the main stresses affecting crop physiology and ecosystem services, such as plant–pollinator interactions. We hypothesize that tracking and ranking pollinators' preferences for flowers under environmental pressure could be used as a marker of plant quality for agricultural breeding to increase crop stress tolerance. Despite increasing relevance of flowers as the most stress sensitive organs, phenotyping platforms aim at identifying traits of resilience by assessing the plant physiological status through remote sensing‐assisted vegetative indexes, but find strong bottlenecks in quantifying flower traits and in accurate genotype‐to‐phenotype prediction. However, as the transport of photoassimilates from leaves (sources) to flowers (sinks) is reduced in low‐resilient plants, flowers are better indicators than leaves of plant well‐being. Indeed, the chemical composition and amount of pollen and nectar that flowers produce, which ultimately serve as food resources for pollinators, change in response to environmental cues. Therefore, pollinators' preferences could be used as a measure of functional source‐to‐sink relationships for breeding decisions. To achieve this challenging goal, we propose to develop a pollinator‐assisted phenotyping and selection platform for automated quantification of Genotype × Environment × Pollinator interactions through an insect geo‐positioning system. Pollinator‐assisted selection can be validated by metabolic, transcriptomic, and ionomic traits, and mapping of candidate genes, linking floral and leaf traits, pollinator preferences, plant resilience, and crop productivity. This radical new approach can change the current paradigm of plant phenotyping and find new paths for crop redomestication and breeding assisted by ecological decisions. Significance Statement: While climate change threatens food production through affecting plant physiology and pollinating ecosystem services, plant phenotyping platforms aim at identifying traits of resilience mostly based on vegetative indexes. However, since flowers are better indicators of the plant well‐being and provide food for pollinators, we propose to use the senses of animal pollinators and their preferences to assist in the identification of flower traits of resilience to abiotic stresses for plant breeding based on ecological decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diverse causes of hyperpigmentation and complex nature of melanogenesis make it a challenge to manage. Current approaches either fail to deliver effective pigmentation control or have undesirable safety profiles that preclude their long‐term use. Aims: To evaluate the capacity of a cosmetic gel serum comprising tranexamic acid, niacinamide, 4‐butylresorcinol, phytic acid, and a mixture of hydroxy acids that was designed to target the biological processes regulating skin melanogenesis to attenuate melanin production in vitro and reduce hyperpigmentation clinically. Methods: Capacity to reduce melanin production in vitro was determined in melanocyte‐containing reconstructed human epidermis (RHEm). Clinical efficacy and skin tolerability following twice daily application were assessed in 35 subjects with slight to moderate facial hyperpigmentation by instrumental (VISIA®‐CR, Mexameter®) and clinical (mMASI, clinical score, IGA for hyperpigmentation) evaluation on D14, D28, D56, and D84. Maintenance of pigmentation control was followed up 1 month after cessation of treatment on D112. Results: In RHEm in vitro, melanin production was reduced by 50.0% from baseline (D0) on D14 (p < 0.001) and by 67.0% on D21 (p < 0.001). Clinical reductions from baseline in brown spots count (−9.0%; p < 0.05), brown spots area (−16.7%; p < 0.001), and the melanin index (−11.4%; p < 0.001) were observed within 14 days of use. Statistically significant improvements in all clinical parameters were achieved by D28. By the end of treatment on D84, the number and surface area of brown spots were reduced by 28.4% and 40.3% compared to D0, respectively (p < 0.001, both), the melanin index was reduced by 31.1% (p < 0.001), mMASI was reduced by 63.0% (p < 0.001), and skin luminosity was increased by 79.0% (p < 0.001). IGA was reduced from 2.3 on D0 to 1.3 on D84 (p < 0.001). Improvements to all these parameters were maintained until D112, 1 month after termination of treatment. The product also demonstrated very good skin tolerability. Conclusion: A gel serum comprising tranexamic acid, niacinamide, 4‐butylresorcinol, and hydroxy acids, designed to target the biological processes regulating skin melanogenesis, demonstrates rapid, robust, and sustained pigmentation control in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The occurrence and severity of osteonecrosis in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) vary due to risk factors, including genetic modifiers. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP6, and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) play key roles in cartilage and bone metabolism, making them potential contributors to orthopaedic outcomes in SCA. Here, we evaluated the association of polymorphisms in BMP6 (rs3812163, rs270393 and rs449853) and VDR (FokI rs2228570 and Cdx2 rs11568820) genes with osteonecrosis risk in a Brazilian SCA cohort. A total of 177 unrelated SCA patients were selected. The AA genotype of BMP6 rs3812163 was independently associated with a lower osteonecrosis risk (p = 0.015; odds ratio (OR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.83) and with the long‐term cumulative incidence of osteonecrosis (p = 0.029; hazard ratio: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.94). The VDR rs2228570 TT genotype was independently associated with a lower osteonecrosis risk (p = 0.039; OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02–0.90). In summary, our results provide evidence that BMP6 rs3812163 and the VDR rs2228570 might be implicated in osteonecrosis pathophysiology in SCA and might help identify individuals at high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic relationship (TR) is essential in mental health nursing care and plays a fundamental role in the understanding and treatment of the patient's health status. Despite being a bidirectional construct, limited evidence is available to shed light on this issue in mental health units and even less so in the first days of admission. This study aimed to examine the association and differences between nurses' and patients' perspectives on the establishment of the therapeutic relationship in acute mental health units during the first days of hospitalization. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 12 Spanish mental health units. Data were collected from patients and nurses using the Working Alliance Inventory‐Short (WAI‐S) questionnaire. A total of 234 cases were analysed, including 234 patients and 58 nurses. The results showed a positive association between nurses' and patients' perspectives on the therapeutic relationship, but also revealed significant differences on each WAI‐S dimension. Nurses assigned higher scores compared to patients on the perception of the quality of the therapeutic relationship. The dimensions with the greatest weight from the patients' perspective regarding the quality of the therapeutic relationship were the perception of greater agreement on goals and tasks among nurses. This study demonstrates the importance of establishing shared goals and tasks with nurses from the first days of hospitalization to improve the quality of the therapeutic relationship as perceived by patients. These findings underline the need to consider the different perspectives of both parties to promote a high‐quality therapeutic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Biogeographers have used three primary data types to examine shifts in tree ranges in response to past climate change: fossil pollen, genetic data and contemporary occurrences. Although recent efforts have explored formal integration of these types of data, we have limited understanding of how integration affects estimates of range shift rates and their uncertainty. We compared estimates of biotic velocity (i.e. rate of species' range shifts) using each data type independently to estimates obtained using integrated models. Location: Eastern North America. Taxon: Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall (green ash). Methods: Using fossil pollen, genomic data and modern occurrence data, we estimated biotic velocities directly from 24 species distribution models (SDMs) and 200 pollen surfaces created with a novel Bayesian spatio‐temporal model. We compared biotic velocity from these analyses to estimates based on coupled demographic‐coalescent simulations and Approximate Bayesian Computation that combined fossil pollen and SDMs with population genomic data collected across the F. pennsylvanica range. Results: Patterns and magnitude of biotic velocity over time varied by the method used to estimate past range dynamics. Estimates based on fossil pollen yielded the highest rates of range movement. Overall, integrating genetic data with other data types in our simulation‐based framework reduced apparent uncertainty in biotic velocity estimates and resulted in greater similarity in estimates between SDM‐ and pollen‐integrated analyses. Main Conclusions: By reducing uncertainty in our assessments of range shifts, integration of data types improves our understanding of the past distribution of species. Based on these results, we propose further steps to reach the integration of these three lines of biogeographical evidence into a unified analytical framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study sought to explore the meaning of the recovery process and its stages from the perspective of people attending a mental health day hospital. Methods: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was carried out. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people attending a mental health day hospital. The data were analysed deductively by means of content analysis. Results: The participants described the recovery process as a process based on three pillars; the attitude towards recovery, hardship, and the effort required throughout the process. Regarding the stages of recovery, for the participants in the first stage of the process (Moratorium), the search for hope was the most important element. In the second stage (Awareness), the reestablishment of their identity, through the acceptance of the consequences derived from the mental health problem, together with being able to feel full and fulfilled, were the most outstanding elements. In the third stage (Preparation), participants highlighted the search for meaning in life, facing their fears and the process with an open mind. Finally, the last two stages (Rebuilding and Growth) were related to taking responsibility and empowerment for recovery. Conclusions: The results of this study provide insight into the perception of the recovery process and its stages in people attending a mental health day hospital. These findings may contribute to aligning the nurse–patient perspective, helping nurses to understand the key elements of patients according to their stage of recovery, and thus be able to subsequently individualise interventions. Patient and Public Contribution: This study was based on interviews with 15 patients receiving treatment at an adult mental health day hospital. This study would not have been possible without their participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The correct rate and timing of nitrogen (N) has the potential to improve sorghum productivity through modified grain yield components and quality. The impacts of in‐season split application of N have little documentation. Aim: An experiment was conducted to determine the optimum rate and timing of N to relate vegetative indices that govern nitrogen use efficiency and to maximize grain yield and quality under different soil types. Methods: Pioneer 86P20 was grown in three environments on two different soil types following a completely randomized block design with nine N application treatments. Treatments included differing N rates applied at critical developmental stages of sorghum (planting, panicle initiation, and booting), accompanied with high temporal aerial phenotyping. Results: Opportunities to increase grain protein content while using split N applications were observed, with panicle initiation identified as a critical developmental stage. In‐season split application of N enhances grain yield under low soil mineral N. Split application of 31 kg N ha−1 each at the time of planting, panicle initiation, and booting emerged as optimum N treatment to increase protein content in sorghum. Vegetative indices, that is, normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference red edge index are capable of predicting grain yield and protein content, respectively. Intra‐panicle grain numbers and weights were altered significantly at different portions within panicles, with an opportunity to enhance yield potential at the bottom portion. The strong stay‐green trait in this hybrid locked a large proportion of nitrogen in the leaves, which warrants the need for balancing stay‐green and senescence in sorghum improvement programs. Conclusions: Findings highlight that in grain sorghum remobilization of residual leaf N into grain is a target to increase yield and grain quality. An optimized stay‐green trait balanced with senescence is recommended for enhancing sorghum yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The therapeutic relationship is a central component for developing person‐centered care within physiotherapy services. However, it is necessary to understand how this relationship is perceived by both parties involved. The Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship‐Patient scale (PCTR‐PT) was constructed to identify patients' perceptions. No instruments are currently available to correlate patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. This study sought to adapt the PCTR‐PT to develop a version for physiotherapists, the Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship Scale for Physiotherapists (PCTR‐PHYS) and to determine its psychometric properties. Methods: A three‐stage study was performed: (1) item generation, (2) pretesting of the questionnaire, (3) analysis of psychometric properties. Factor validity and psychometric properties were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity was calculated. Internal consistency was verified using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine temporal stability. Results: Thirty‐three physiotherapists participated in two rounds of cognitive interviews and 343 participated in the analysis of psychometric properties. The CFA confirmed the four‐structure model. Reliability of the tool was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.863) for all four dimensions, as all were above 0.70, ranging from 0.704 (relational bond) and 0.898 (therapeutic communication). Test‐retest was performed with 2‐week intervals, indicating an appropriate stability for the scale (ICC = 0.908). Discussion: The Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship Scale for Physiotherapists is a useful, valid and applicable instrument to evaluate the person‐centered therapeutic relationship during physiotherapy interventions. It will enable the comparison of patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions. To provide person‐centered care in physiotherapy services, there is a clear need to incorporate specific resources into clinical practice to evaluate the quality of the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of both the persons being treated and the professionals providing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of the 'reserved therapeutic space' intervention for improving the nurse–patient therapeutic relationship in acute mental health units in Spain. Design: Multicentre intervention study with control group. Methods: The study will be carried out in 12 mental health units. The 'reserved therapeutic space' intervention to be tested has been co‐designed and validated by both nurses and patients. The quality of the therapeutic relationship, the care received and perceived coercion among patients will be assessed. An estimated 131 patients per group are expected to participate. Funding was granted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Co‐financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (PI21/00605)) and College of Nurses of Barcelona (PR‐487/2021). The proposal was approved by all the Research Ethics Committees of participating centres. Results: This project will lead to changes in clinical practice, transforming the current models of organization and care management in mental health hospitalization units. No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous societal impact of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has been particularly harsh for some social groups, such as the elderly. Recently, it has been suggested that senescent cells could play a central role in pathogenesis by exacerbating the pro‐inflammatory immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, the selective clearance of senescent cells by senolytic drugs may be useful as a therapy to ameliorate the symptoms of COVID‐19 in some cases. Using the established COVID‐19 murine model K18‐hACE2, we demonstrated that a combination of the senolytics dasatinib and quercetin (D/Q) significantly reduced SARS‐CoV‐2‐related mortality, delayed its onset, and reduced the number of other clinical symptoms. The increase in senescent markers that we detected in the lungs in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 may be related to the post‐COVID‐19 sequelae described to date. These results place senescent cells as central targets for the treatment of COVID‐19, and make D/Q a new and promising therapeutic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is largely devoid of high‐quality and reliable on‐the‐ground measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Ground‐level PM2.5 concentrations are estimated from publicly available satellite Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) products combined with other information. Prior research has largely overlooked the possibility of gaining additional accuracy and insights into the sources of PM using satellite retrievals of tropospheric trace gas columns. We evaluate the information content of tropospheric trace gas columns for PM2.5 estimates over India within a modeling testbed using an Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) approach, which selects from a menu of different machine learning tools based on the data set. We then quantify the relative information content of tropospheric trace gas columns, AOD, meteorological fields, and emissions for estimating PM2.5 over four Indian sub‐regions on daily and monthly time scales. Our findings suggest that, regardless of the specific machine learning model assumptions, incorporating trace gas modeled columns improves PM2.5 estimates. We use the ranking scores produced from the AutoML algorithm and Spearman's rank correlation to infer or link the possible relative importance of primary versus secondary sources of PM2.5 as a first step toward estimating particle composition. Our comparison of AutoML‐derived models to selected baseline machine learning models demonstrates that AutoML is at least as good as user‐chosen models. The idealized pseudo‐observations (chemical‐transport model simulations) used in this work lay the groundwork for applying satellite retrievals of tropospheric trace gases to estimate fine particle concentrations in India and serve to illustrate the promise of AutoML applications in atmospheric and environmental research. Plain Language Summary: Ground‐level fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations are frequently estimated with freely available satellite Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) products. We focus on India where sparse ground‐based monitoring leaves gaps in our understanding of particle concentrations and the relative importance of different sources. We use an atmospheric chemistry model to test whether satellite retrievals of tropospheric trace gas columns can provide information on the origins of PM2.5 and improve satellite‐derived PM2.5. We created an Automated Machine Learning workflow to evaluate the utility of incorporating multiple trace gas columns in PM2.5 estimates, which represents nonlinear relationships between predictands and predictors while freeing users from selecting and tuning a specific machine learning model. On daily and monthly time scales, we quantify the relative information content of trace gas columns, AOD, meteorological fields, and emissions. We find that incorporating trace gas columns improves PM2.5 estimates and may also enable inference of broad characteristics of particle composition. Key Points: We developed an Automated Machine Learning workflow to evaluate the utility of incorporating multiple trace gas columns in PM2.5 estimatesTropospheric trace gas columns contain signatures of PM2.5 precursors and improve PM2.5 estimatesWe infer or link the possible relative importance of primary versus secondary sources of PM2.5 using Automated Machine Learning and Spearman's rank correlation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) administration in male idiopathic infertility in a clinical setting. Methods: A retrospective real‐world study was carried out, including all consecutive FSH‐treated infertile men attending the Andrology Unit of Modena (Italy) from June 2015 to May 2022. Medical history, physical and andrological examinations, hormonal and seminal parameters, therapeutic management and pregnancy data were collected. The primary endpoint was the number of pregnancies obtained after FSH administration, whereas semen parameters change was the secondary outcome. Results: A total of 194 of 362 (53.6%) infertile men, eligible according to the Italian Health System regulations, were treated with FSH (mean age 37.9 ± 6.1 years). Following FSH administration (mean therapy duration 9.1 ± 7.1 months), 43 pregnancies were recorded (27.6%), of which 22 occurred naturally and 21 after assisted reproduction. A significant increase in sperm concentration (9.9 ± 12.2 vs. 18.9 ± 38.9 million/mL, p = 0.045) was detected after treatment, together with a significant increase in normozoospermia (from 1.0% to 5.1%, p =.044) and a reduction in azoospermia rate (from 9.8% to 7%, p = 0.044). Dividing the cohort in FSH‐responders and non‐responders, in terms of pregnancy achieved, higher sperm concentrations (15.7 ± 26.6 vs. 22.2 ± 25.7 million/mL, p = 0.033) and progressive sperm motility (18.0 ± 18.2 vs. 27.3 ± 11.3, p = 0.044) were found in pregnancy group. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that FSH, empirically administered to men with idiopathic infertility, leads to pregnancy in one out of four patients and increases sperm concentration. Although the expected limits because of a real‐world data study, the number of FSH‐treated patients required to achieve one pregnancy seems to be lower in clinical setting if compared to previously published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a nonparametric regression approach for univariate and multivariate skewed responses using Bayesian additive regression trees (BART). Existing BART methods use ensembles of decision trees to model a mean function, and have become popular recently due to their high prediction accuracy and ease of use. The usual assumption of a univariate Gaussian error distribution, however, is restrictive in many biomedical applications. Motivated by an oral health study, we provide a useful extension of BART, the skewBART model, to address this problem. We then extend skewBART to allow for multivariate responses, with information shared across the decision trees associated with different responses within the same subject. The methodology accommodates within‐subject association, and allows varying skewness parameters for the varying multivariate responses. We illustrate the benefits of our multivariate skewBART proposal over existing alternatives via simulation studies and application to the oral health dataset with bivariate highly skewed responses. Our methodology is implementable via the R package skewBART, available on GitHub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spurred on by recent successes in causal inference competitions, Bayesian nonparametric (and high‐dimensional) methods have recently seen increased attention in the causal inference literature. In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of Bayesian nonparametric applications to causal inference. Our aims are to (i) introduce the fundamental Bayesian nonparametric toolkit; (ii) discuss how to determine which tool is most appropriate for a given problem; and (iii) show how to avoid common pitfalls in applying Bayesian nonparametric methods in high‐dimensional settings. Unlike standard fixed‐dimensional parametric problems, where outcome modeling alone can sometimes be effective, we argue that most of the time it is necessary to model both the selection and outcome processes. This article is categorized under:Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional DataStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric MethodsStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary change begins at the population scale. Therefore, understanding adaptive variation requires the identification of the factors maintaining and shaping standing genetic variation at the within‐population level. Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity represent ecological drivers of within‐population genetic variation, determining the evolutionary trajectory of populations along with random processes. Here, we focused on the effects of spatiotemporal heterogeneity on quantitative and molecular variation in a natural population of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana.We sampled 1093 individuals from a Spanish A. thaliana population across an area of 7.4 ha for 10 years (2012–2021). Based on a sample of 279 maternal lines, we estimated spatiotemporal variation in life‐history traits and fitness from a common garden experiment. We genotyped 884 individuals with nuclear microsatellites to estimate spatiotemporal variation in genetic diversity. We assessed spatial patterns by estimating spatial autocorrelation of traits and fine‐scale genetic structure. We analysed the relationships between phenotypic variation, geographical location and genetic relatedness, as well as the effects of environmental suitability and genetic rarity on phenotypic variation.The common garden experiment indicated that there was more temporal than spatial variation in life‐history traits and fitness. Despite the differences among years, genetic distance in ecologically relevant traits (e.g. flowering time) tended to be positively correlated to genetic distance among maternal lines, while isolation by distance was less important. Genetic diversity exhibited significant spatial structure at short distances, which were consistent among years. Finally, genetic rarity, and not environmental suitability, accounted for genetic variation in life‐history traits.Synthesis. Our study highlighted the importance of repeated sampling to detect the large amount of genetic diversity at the quantitative and molecular levels that a single A. thaliana population can harbour. Overall, population genetic attributes estimated from our long‐term monitoring scheme (genetic relatedness and genetic rarity), rather than biological (dispersal) or ecological (vegetation types and environmental suitability) factors, emerged as the most important drivers of within‐population structure of phenotypic variation in A. thaliana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although a trustworthy connection between doctor and patient is crucial in clinical practice, it could be hindered by different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Moreover, an effective doctor–patient interaction could be even more challenging in andrological fields, in which psychological and social components are predominant. Aim: To analyse the doctor–patient relationship in the andrological field, applying both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Methods: monocentric, cross‐sectional, observational study was performed between May and December 2018. During the study, all patients aged >18 years attending the Modena Andrology Unit for couple infertility or erectile dysfunction were enrolled and the doctor–patients interaction recorded. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their medical seeking and were further divided between native and non‐native speakers of Italian. All patients underwent a routine andrological examination. Every first medical consultation was audio‐recorded and transcribed using "ELAN" software for socio‐linguistic analysis. Transcriptions underwent qualitative analysis through conversation analysis. Then, quantitative analyses were performed, and interaction parameters underwent correlation analyses. Results: Twenty‐five patients were enrolled. The analysis of the andrological interview allowed to recognise five consecutive phases, following a semi‐standardized pattern. Patients without linguistic barriers and with infertility problems showed more autonomous contribution during the consultation. No difference arose in the sexual dysfunctions group. Doctor's explanations were frequent, but when linguistic barrier was present or Italian patients seemed less talkative, explanations were shorter, and doctors tried to use other conversational mechanisms to promote understanding. Patient's variables were significantly lower compared to the doctor, considering the number of turns (p = 0.025) and their minimum (p = 0.032), maximum (p < 0.001), and average durations (p < 0.001). Only patient's latency was significantly higher than the doctor's (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This is the first attempt to analyse the doctor–patient relationship in andrology using authentic audio‐recorded consultations. The results confirmed that a patient‐centred communication must be applied also in andrological consultations. However, the topics discussed may require more "medical formulation" to be acceptable to the participants in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While child welfare scholars and caseworkers have acquired a better understanding of risk factors associated with occurrences of child fatalities due to maltreatment over the past 20 years, little is known about the organisational and system‐level characteristics that impact efforts to prevent or intervene in these cases. As part of a collaborative agreement between a university‐affiliated centre and a state child welfare agency, we conducted interviews by phone with 19 case managers, middle managers and regional leaders who were assigned to manage or oversee a near fatality or fatality case. They illuminated five major themes: 1) their perceived stressors and sources of support; 2) client and perpetrator risk factors; 3) system‐level risk and protective factors; 4) case descriptions; and 5) lessons learned. Relying upon their lived experiences, we offer practice and policy recommendations to Child Abuse Review to support their efforts to prevent and respond to child fatality cases. Efforts should be devoted to evaluating strategies to reduce risk for all families before the child welfare system is involved, supporting workers when they are assigned to fatality cases by reducing caseloads and preparing them for the fatality review process, and embracing a culture of collaboration across and within child‐serving systems. Key Practitioner Messages: To respond effectively to child fatality and near fatality cases, child welfare caseworkers and leaders should be assigned fewer cases in the interim, and receive guidance, consultation, and time to prepare for the fatality review process.Embracing a culture of collaboration across and within child‐serving systems may also prevent fatalities and facilitate an efficient investigative process if/when they do occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about what factors predict fatality and near fatality (NF) involving child maltreatment and if predictors differ between them. Analyses of cases in 2017 and 2018 in one Mid‐Atlantic state revealed that prior child welfare history and prevalence of risk factors, such as substance abuse, mental illness, interpersonal violence, chronic abuse, incarceration, sibling injuries, and unstable housing did not differ between fatality and NF cases. Logistic regression revealed fatalities decreased by 78% if victims received Emergency Room treatment. Findings underscore the need to train providers about risk factors and to develop interventions that increase utilisation of medical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of eight indium coordination compounds derived from amino amides 1–8 and InCl3. Crystallographic and NMR studies revealed the unusual chelation coordination of the metal ion to the amine and carbonyl groups of the ligands. However, vibrational studies evidenced the presence of formation‐breaking equilibria of the C=O→In3+ coordination bond. Thus, as chelate structures predominate in methanol solutions, In3+ compounds with open structures prevail in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the Raman spectroscopy and crystallography studies of 2 c and 6 c corroborated that the substitution of a chlorine ion by a methanol molecule in these coordination compounds is feasible and that the interchange equilibrium [HL]InCl4+MeOH⇄[L][MeOH]InCl3+HCl is present in methanolic solutions. UV spectroscopy proves that the [HL]InCl4 compounds predominates in methanol solutions. However, fluorescence spectroscopy shows the presence of significant quantities of [L][MeOH]InCl3 that reduce the intensity of the signals. The formation‐breaking and interchange equilibria could facilitate the biological interchange of In3+ using coordination compounds 1 c–8 c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recognition of the erectile dysfunction pathogenesis is essential to identify the appropriate erectile dysfunction management. As vascular erectile dysfunction could be a manifestation of a systemic arterial damage, the watershed in the erectile dysfunction diagnostic framework is the discrimination between psychological erectile dysfunction and vascular erectile dysfunction. However, reliable tools to directly diagnose psychological erectile dysfunction are currently lacking. Objective: To identify which parameters could predict psychological erectile dysfunction. Moreover, we suggest a new intracavernosal injection procedure to optimize the erectile dysfunction diagnostic workup. Materials and methods: A retrospective, real‐world analysis was carried out including all men who underwent intracavernosal injection procedure at the Modena Andrology Unit from 2018 to 2021. A first intracavernosal injection procedure with 5 µg of prostaglandin E‐1 (PGE‐1) was performed. In the absence of a full drug‐induced erection (immediate or delayed), an echo‐color Doppler penile evaluation after administration of PGE‐1 10 µg was conducted, measuring intracavernosal blood flows, to document a possible vascular etiology. Hormonal evaluations were performed. Results: Out of 179 enrolled patients, 70.4% showed psychological erectile dysfunction, 21.7% vascular erectile dysfunction, and 7.8% hormonal genesis. Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified absence of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.017), presence of spontaneous morning erections (p = 0.018), and normal penile erections with masturbation (p = 0.035) as predictors of psychological erectile dysfunction. Clinically, normal intracavernosal injection test response was detected in 86 patients and abnormal response in 93 subjects. Among the latter, 54 patients experienced a delayed response. The combination of intracavernosal injection test with late penile erections evaluation was able to diagnose psychological erectile dysfunction (sensitivity 97%, specificity 100%), avoiding unnecessary retesting. Discussion: We propose a two‐step intracavernosal injection procedure that allows to recognize psychological erectile dysfunction with a high sensitivity/specificity, saving costs and time, and limiting adverse events. Moreover, the presence of spontaneous morning erections and valid penile erections after masturbation could guide the diagnostic workup, indirectly identifying those patients deserving of a deeper evaluation of vascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the use of verbal de‐escalation in nursing has been shown to be an effective tool for controlling agitation and avoiding mechanical restraint, there is scarce evidence supporting the use of de‐escalation by nurses and factors related to the patients who ultimately receive mechanical restraint. This retrospective study sought to examine the relationship between the use of verbal de‐escalation by nurses and the clinical profile of patients who had received mechanical restraint at an acute mental health unit. This study analysed the records of patients who had received mechanical restraint between the years 2012 and 2019. A bivariate analysis was initially performed, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 493 episodes of restraint were recorded. Of these, in almost 40% of cases, no prior use of verbal de‐escalation was noted. The factors associated with the use of verbal de‐escalation by nurses were patients with a history of restraint episodes and patients who previously had been administered medication. Furthermore, episodes of mechanical restraint that occurred later during the admission were also associated with the use of de‐escalation. These findings confirm the relevance of early nurse interventions. Consequently, it is important to establish an adequate therapeutic relationship from the start of hospitalization to facilitate getting to know the patient and to enable the timely use of verbal de‐escalation, thus avoiding the use of mechanical restraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Heliconiini genera Agraulis and Dryas are widely distributed throughout the Neotropics and into adjacent temperate regions, and although they are currently treated as monotypic, both show significant geographic phenotypic variation. In this work, we employ six genetic markers (4199 bp), two mitochondrial and four nuclear, to perform coalescent species delimitation analyses in Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP) and in integrated BPP (iBPP), the latter also includes linear measurements and wings landmarks. We also analyze cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcode sequences for each genus using genetic distances, haplotype networks and a character‐based approach. Based on the model testing results, complemented with data from previous studies, we performed morphometric analyses to compare fore and hindwing size, aspect ratio and shape among the new species. In addition, we compared the forewing spot pattern of hypothesizes species using the r package patternize and, for Dryas, compared the colour patterns of mature larvae. Model testing of the molecular species delimitation outputs favoured a seven species hypothesis for Agraulis and a four species hypothesis for Dryas. Average distances among COI barcode sequences of these groups were from 1.09 to 5.81% in Agraulis and from 1.09 to 3.44% in Dryas. Within‐group distances ranged from 0 to 1.11% and between 0 and 2.43%, respectively. NeighborNet haplotype networks showed that all but one of the species are monophyletic, and the character‐based approach found exclusive diagnostic positions for most species, while the rest can be recognized by unique combinations of the 44 informative nucleotide positions analysed. Morphometric analysis supported all species of Agraulis and Dryas based on wing shape, and also in several cases on wing sizes and aspect ratio (hindwing length–forewing length), including A. v. galapagensis, which was absent from the molecular study. The analysis of the forewing spot pattern also revealed differences among most species hypothesis. The colour pattern of the last instar larva is also diagnostic for each Dryas species hypothesis. Locality data for species in both genera show that most of them are allopatric albeit a few have contact zones being parapatric at some locations. Based on the observed genetic differences, which covary with morphology and geographical distribution, we recommend the recognition of eight species of Agraulis: A. incarnata, A. vanillae, A. forbesinew status, A. insularisreinstated status, A. maculosanew status, A. lucinareinstated status, A. galapagensisnew status and one undescribed species, and four species of Dryas: D. iulia, D. dominicanarevised status, D. luciarevised status and D. alcioneareinstated status. Further work is needed to investigate, which selective forces have led to the current configurations of venation and wing shape, the probable gene flow among species with a focus on Agraulis and gather more data on species ecology. LSIDurn: lsid: zoobank.org: pub: 9E8C9F6E‐91C3‐4FB2‐804D‐1A9C4BD2EABB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When subcloned into low‐copy‐number expression vectors, rumAB, encoding polVR391 (RumA′2B), is best characterized as a potent mutator giving rise to high levels of spontaneous mutagenesis in vivo. This is in dramatic contrast to the poorly mutable phenotype when polVR391 is expressed from the native 88.5 kb R391, suggesting that R391 expresses cis‐acting factors that suppress the expression and/or the activity of polVR391. Indeed, we recently discovered that SetRR391, an ortholog of λ cI repressor, is a transcriptional repressor of rumAB. Here, we report that CroSR391, an ortholog of λ Cro, also serves as a potent transcriptional repressor of rumAB. Levels of RumA are dependent upon an interplay between SetRR391 and CroSR391, with the greatest reduction of RumA protein levels observed in the absence of SetRR391 and the presence of CroSR391. Under these conditions, CroSR391 completely abolishes the high levels of mutagenesis promoted by polVR391 expressed from low‐copy‐number plasmids. Furthermore, deletion of croSR391 on the native R391 results in a dramatic increase in mutagenesis, indicating that CroSR391 plays a major role in suppressing polVR391 mutagenesis in vivo. Inactivating mutations in CroSR391 therefore have the distinct possibility of increasing cellular mutagenesis that could lead to the evolution of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria harboring R391. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We distinguish the effects of the Philippines' conditional cash transfers (CCT) between the intended (poor) and unintended (nonpoor) beneficiaries. We use a proxy means test similar to what was officially used and apply it on a nationally representative sample of households to identify some poor households who are excluded and nonpoor households included in the program on account of inherent leakages in program implementation. To evaluate the CCT's impact, we matched the poor beneficiaries with poor households excluded from the program and nonpoor beneficiaries with nonpoor households outside CCT. For the poor households, we find a reduction in wages of working children who presumably now spend more time in school in compliance with the program's conditionalities, indicating less child labor. For nonpoor households, we find some indication that program participation led to moral hazard as evidenced by lower income from salaries and wages. Since the reduction in income is greater than the increase in transfers received by nonpoor households, their savings declined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the perspective of people who had experienced treatment as patients at acute mental health units, regarding an intervention model to improve therapeutic relationships in the units, which had been previously designed by the nurses. The study participants were people linked to collectives for social activism in mental health. Six focus groups were held. The results were classified into three themes: (a) the meaning of a space to enable the establishment of a therapeutic relationship, (b) the procedures to implement the space, and (c) the difficulties to overcome to establish the space. For the participants, the Reserved Therapeutic Space intervention was perceived as a space where they could share expectations and needs with the nurses, considering it as both valid and useful to improve the therapeutic relationship in acute units. For the participants, the intervention should be structured in three stages: orientation, follow‐up, and discharge. The content of the intervention should be proposed by the patients based on their needs and concerns. The barriers identified for carrying out the intervention were the lack of relational competence, the violation of rights, and the lack of accessibility of nurses. The facilitating elements were the availability of nurses, active listening, and empathy. The resulting intervention model includes realities of both groups, providing insights for nurses to initiate a space with patients and improve their therapeutic relationship. This intervention model could be used by managers to test its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaerobic cellular metabolism causes a series of structural and physiologic changes during storage that could compromise post‐transfusion viability, reducing the safety of using blood stored for an extended period. Objective: We aimed to follow the biochemical and hematologic alterations of equine blood stored in plastic bags containing citrate–phosphate–dextrose–adenine (CPDA‐1) for up to 28 days. Methods: Whole blood samples (450 mL) were collected from 20 Brazilian Saddle horses into CPDA‐1 pouches and stored between 2°C and 6°C in a blood bank. On days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of storage, blood samples were taken and submitted for biochemical (sodium [Na+], potassium [K+], glucose, and lactate) and hematologic (hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [HCT], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], percent hemolysis [% hemolysis]) analyses. Results: The only time the blood pH levels dipped below 7 was after D21 of storage, and the levels were significantly lower than those on the first storage day (D0). Potassium concentrations showed significant increases from D7 and then remained increased throughout the experimental period. Chloride and lactate concentrations revealed a significantly increased trend from D7 that was maintained over time. Mean corpuscular volumes increased significantly on D7 and D14 and, thereafter, remained stable. The mean % hemolysis increased on D28, which was significantly higher than D0. No bacterial growth was found in any pouch after 28 days of storage. Conclusions: Significant and gradual biochemical changes were observed in equine whole blood during prolonged storage. These changes could compromise the clinical conditions of patients requiring transfusion. In vivo studies are needed to evaluate the effects as well as survival rates and efficacy of transfused red blood cells in recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm in children. Recurrence and malignant transformation are concerns necessitating proper treatment. The goal of this research was to discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management of pediatric pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck.Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients under 20 years of age treated for pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck between 1998 and 2017. Data assessed included demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, complications, recurrence, and follow-up.Results: Forty-one patients with pleomorphic adenoma were identified. Major salivary gland lesions were most common (n = 32, 78.0%); 78.1% (25 of 32) arising in the parotid and 21.9% (7 of 32) in the submandibular glands. Minor salivary gland lesions were removed from the palate (5 of 9, 55.6%), buccal mucosa (2 of 9, 22.2%), parapharyngeal space (1 of 9, 11.1%), and upper lip (1 of 9, 11.1%). Preoperative imaging was reviewed in 32 patients and consisted of nine ultrasound exams, 15 computerized tomography (CT) exams, and 23 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Multimodality imaging was performed in 14 of 32 patients. Surgical excision was performed in all patients. Postoperative complications included transient facial paresis (n = 9), Frey syndrome (n = 1), and bacterial pharyngitis (n = 1). Average length of follow-up was 25.5 months; confirmed recurrence occurred in two patients (4.9%).Conclusion: Evaluation of pleomorphic adenoma in children should include preoperative imaging. The goal of surgery should be complete surgical excision with negative margins. Rate of recurrence is low; however, prolonged monitoring is recommended.Level Of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 129:2603-2609, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndrome present similar facial phenotypes modulated by their ethnic background. Although distinctive facial features have been reported, studies show a variable incidence of those characteristics in populations with diverse ancestry. Hence, a differential diagnosis based on reported facial features can be challenging. Although accurate diagnoses are possible with genetic testing, they are not available in developing and remote regions. Methods: We used a facial analysis technology to identify the most discriminative facial metrics between 286 patients with Noonan and 161 with Williams‐Beuren syndrome with diverse ethnic background. We quantified the most discriminative metrics, and their ranges both globally and in different ethnic groups. We also created population‐based appearance images that are useful not only as clinical references but also for training purposes. Finally, we trained both global and ethnic‐specific machine learning models with previous metrics to distinguish between patients with Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndromes. Results: We obtained a classification accuracy of 85.68% in the global population evaluated using cross‐validation, which improved to 90.38% when we adapted the facial metrics to the ethnicity of the patients (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Our facial analysis provided for the first time quantitative reference facial metrics for the differential diagnosis Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndromes in diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One advantageous strategy for the restoration of human‐disturbed landscapes is the use of ecologically "important" species such as nurse plants. We propose a field‐based approach to measure the functional importance of nurse species (i.e. their relative facilitative effects on other plant species) and to identify which species will yield more efficient revegetation programs regarding their abundance. We identified 30 nurse‐beneficiary spatial associations, with the functional importance varying largely among four nurse species and three human‐disturbed areas. A Mediterranean endemic palm was the most important nurse species, thus showing its potential key role in revegetation programs by promoting spatial associations with late‐successional plant species. We encourage restorers to use nurse species with a disproportionate (regarding their relative abundance) impact on ecosystems to save additional resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical exercise is an essential factor in preventing and treating metabolic diseases by promoting systemic benefits throughout the body. The molecular factors involved in this process are poorly understood. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that inhibit mRNA transcription. MiRNAs, which can participate in the benefits of exercise to health, circulate in plasma in extracellular particles (EP). Horses that undergo endurance racing are an excellent model to study the impact of long‐duration/low intensity exercise in plasma EP miRNAs. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of 160 km endurance racing on horse plasma extracellular particles and their miRNA population. Study design: Cohort study. Methods: We collected plasma from five Arabian horses during five time‐points of an endurance ride. Extracellular particles were purified from plasma and characterised by electron microscopy, resistive pulse sensing (qNano) and western blotting. Small RNAs were purified from horse plasma EP, and sequencing was performed. Results: Endurance racing increased EP concentration and average diameter compared to before the race. Western blotting showed a high concentration of extracellular vesicles proteins 2 hours after the race, which returned to baseline 15 hours after the race. MicroRNA differential expression analysis revealed increasing levels of eca‐miR‐486‐5p during and after the race, and decreasing levels of eca‐miR‐9083 after the end. Conclusions: This study adds new data about the variation in plasma EP concentrations after long‐distance exercise and brings new insights about the roles of exercise‐derived EP miRNAs during low‐intensity endurance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the determination of acidity constants of eight amino amides through the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to carry out the selective crystallization of diprotonated (a), monoprotonated (b), and neutral species (c) derived from these compounds. Crystallographic studies of compounds 2a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 2b, 3b, 6b and 2c revealed that the presence of substituents at the C8 and C10 positions determines the conformation of the molecule regardless of its degree of protonation. Although diprotonated species (a) have the same conformation and similar hydrogen bonding patterns, the supramolecular structures of these compounds are different. Furthermore, chloride ions and solvent molecules play an outstanding role in stabilizing the supramolecular structure of these compounds. This phenomenon restricts the π⋅⋅⋅π interactions between benzimidazole groups and consequently limits the possibility of aggregation in amino amides 1–8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up-regulation of miR-130a is related to leg ulcers in sickle cell anaemia (D) Serum leptin levels in active-LU, healed-LU, and control-HbSS groups in female patients. Keywords: leptin; leptin receptor; microRNAs; sickle cell leg ulcers; sickle cell wounds EN leptin leptin receptor microRNAs sickle cell leg ulcers sickle cell wounds e16 e18 3 03/30/22 20220401 NES 220401 To the Editor, Leg ulcers (LUs) are a severe cutaneous manifestation in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). [Extracted from the article]

Mucins are bottlebrush biopolymers that are glycoproteins on the surfaces of cells and as hydrogels secreted inside and outside the body. Mucin function in biology includes cell‐cell recognition, signaling, protection, adhesion, and lubrication. Because of their attractive and diverse properties, mucins have recently become the focus of synthetic efforts by researchers who hope to understand and emulate these biomaterials. This review is focused on the development of methodologies for preparing mucin‐inspired synthetic oligomers and glycopolymers, including solid‐phase synthesis, polymerization of glycosylated monomers, and post‐polymerization grafting of glycans to polymer chains. How these synthetic mucins have been used in health applications is discussed. Natural mucins are formed from a conserved set of monomers that are combined into chains of different sequences and lengths to achieve materials with widely diverse properties. Adopting this design paradigm from natural mucins could lead to next‐generation bioinspired synthetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high expression of brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic (BAALC) and ETS‐related gene (ERG) has been reported to influence the outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but due to limited prospective studies, their role as prognostic factors is unclear. At diagnosis, the prognostic value of BAALC and ERG expression with respect to other cytogenetic and molecular markers was analyzed in 149 AML patients. Patients were divided into quartiles which resulted in the formation of four groups (G1–G4) based on expression values of BAALC and ERG and clinical response defined across groups. Groups with similar survival probabilities were merged together and categorized subsequently as high versus low expressers. Patients with high BAALC and ERG expression had significantly lower overall survival (OS; BAALC: p = 0.001 at 5 years 29.4% vs. 69.8%; ERG: p < 0.0001 at 5 years 4% vs. 50.4%) and disease‐free survival (BAALC: p = 0.001 at 5 years 19.5% vs. 69.8%; ERG: p < 0.0001 at 5 years 4.2% vs. 47%). Patients were further stratified combining BAALC and ERG expression in an integrative prognostic risk score (IPRS). After a median follow‐up of 54 months (95% CI 45–63 months) among survivors, IPRS for high versus low expressers was a significant predictor for OS (BAALC + ERG: 4% vs. 71.6%, p < 0.0001) and DFS (BAALC + ERG: 4.5% vs. 74.1%, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate model, IPRS of BAALC + ERG expression retained prognostic significance for OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.96, 95%CI 1.91–4.59, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR 3.61, 95%CI 2.26–5.76, p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has recently been suggested that the hypergonadotropic hypogonadism characterizing Klinefelter syndrome (KS) might not be due to a steroidogenic dysfunction per se, but mainly to an altered testosterone (T) secretion into the bloodstream. However, the Leydig cell functionality remains incompletely studied in KS, and new markers should be considered. Previous data indicated that chronic hCG stimulation influences the production of both insulin‐like peptide 3 (INSL3) and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25‐VD) in eugonadal men. Aim of the study: To evaluate INSL3 and 25‐VD serum levels, as markers of Leydig cell functionality, in association with sex steroids, after an acute hCG test in a group of KS patients and healthy volunteers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospective case‐control clinical trial was carried out. KS patients (n = 11) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 11) provided a basal blood sample (V0) immediately followed by a single intramuscular injection of hCG 5000 IU. Blood samples were taken in the following five days (V1‐V5). Results: At baseline, INSL3 was lower in KS patients compared with controls (P =.007). When adjusted for INSL3 levels, the production of steroids was similar between KS patients and controls. 25‐VD was in the insufficient range both in KS patients and in controls and was not different (P =.064). Acute hCG stimulation increased neither INSL3 nor 25‐VD in both KS patients and controls. In controls, an inverse correlation was detected between INSL3 levels and body mass index (P =.020) and waist circumference (P =.020). Conclusions: INSL3 secretion is independent from steroidogenesis, and its production is mostly not influenced by acute hCG stimulation both in KS men and in controls. INSL3 serum levels should be considered as a marker of Leydig cell differentiation and numbers rather than steroidogenesis. 25‐VD serum levels are also not increased by a single acute hCG administration, which was not able to restore the normal concentrations of 25‐VD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]