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Yield monitoring technology (YM) is a valuable tool to evaluate crop performance in on‐farm research (OFR). However, limited information exists on utilizing this technology to accurately inform OFR. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ability of grain yield monitor mass flow sensors to detect changes in corn (Zea mays L.) yield for different plot lengths, provide a recommended minimum plot length to utilize YM in OFR, and determine if differences in estimating yield existed between YMs. Six treatment lengths that varied in distance of intentional yield differences (7.6, 15.2, 30.5, 61.0, 121.9, and 243.8 m) were created by alternating high‐yield (202 kg N/ha application) and low‐yield (0 kg N/ha application) plots. A total of four grain YMs with impact‐style mass flow sensors were used within two commercially available combines. Yield comparisons were made between the plot combine and YMs to evaluate the accuracy of each technology for detecting the magnitude of yield change across lengths using analysis of variance and exponential regression curves. Results indicated that the mass flow sensors were not sensitive enough to detect quickly changing flow rates for alternating yield changes in small plot lengths. Minimum plot lengths ranged from 43 to 107 m depending on YM. Significant differences were observed between grain YMs from different manufacturers. Future work could evaluate the influence additional crops or smaller yield differences have on the optimum OFR plot length. Core Ideas: The mass flow sensors tested were unable to detect yield variations over small plot lengths (7.6 m).Minimum plot length for detecting treatment yield differences ranged from 43 to 107 m depending on the technology.Technologies varied in their ability to quantify the true magnitude of yield changes compared to the plot combine.Proper calibration and understanding limitations of yield monitoring systems are key for use in on‐farm research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long‐term opioid use is related to numerous harms and has uncertain efficacy for chronic, non‐cancer pain. Identification of individuals at risk for long‐term opioid use can help support treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to determine psychosocial factors associated with opioid use 6 months after a work‐related injury. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study incorporating surveys and administrative data. Eligibility included a workers' compensation claim for an injury between June 2019 and September 2021, no opioid use within 3 months before injury, and opioid use within 6 weeks after injury. The outcome was self‐reported opioid use at the 6‐month follow‐up survey (no use, use some days, or use most or every day). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to calculate relative risk ratios (RRRs) for associations between self‐reported psychosocial factors and long‐term opioid use. Results: Of the 1724 respondents, 301 (17.5%) reported taking long‐term opioids on some days and 87 (5.0%) reported taking long‐term opioids on most or every day. After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, workers reporting work fear‐avoidance had a higher relative risk of opioid use most or every day, versus no opioid use at the 6‐month survey, compared to those without work fear‐avoidance (RRR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.08, 3.50). Anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and recovery expectations were not associated with long‐term opioid use after covariate adjustment. Conclusions: Work fear‐avoidance was associated with long‐term opioid use in this study of injured workers. Addressing fears surrounding an injury and returning to work may help deter reliance on long‐term opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The onset of stomatal closure reduces transpiration during drought. In seed plants, drought causes declines in plant water status which increases leaf endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels required for stomatal closure. There are multiple possible points of increased belowground resistance in the soil–plant atmospheric continuum that could decrease leaf water potential enough to trigger ABA production and the subsequent decreases in transpiration.We investigate the dynamic patterns of leaf ABA levels, plant hydraulic conductance and the point of failure in the soil–plant conductance in the highly embolism‐resistant species Callitris tuberculata using continuous dendrometer measurements of leaf water potential during drought.We show that decreases in transpiration and ABA biosynthesis begin before any permanent decreases in predawn water potential, collapse in soil–plant hydraulic pathway and xylem embolism spread.We find that a dynamic but recoverable increases in hydraulic resistance in the soil in close proximity to the roots is the most likely driver of declines in midday leaf water potential needed for ABA biosynthesis and the onset of decreases in transpiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom encountered in the neuromuscular clinic. The 7‐item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS‐7) is a Rasch‐modified assessment validated in inflammatory neuropathies but not across a typical neuromuscular patient population. The aim of this study was to validate this measure in neuromuscular disorders and to compare between patient sex, age and diagnoses. Methods: The modified FSS‐7 was mailed to patients recruited from a specialist neuromuscular clinic at the Walton Centre. Responses were subjected to Rasch analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on the Rasch converted data. Results: The mFSS‐7 met the Rasch model expectations with an overall Chi‐square probability of 0.4918, a strict unidimensional scale free from differential item functioning (DIF) that satisfied the model with substantial test–retest reliability using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.77). A 15.7% ceiling effect was observed in this patient cohort. Post hoc analysis did not show any significant difference in fatigue between sex, age or neuromuscular diagnoses. Discussion: The self‐completed Rasch mFSS‐7 showed acceptable test–retest reliability across patients with varied disorders under follow‐up in a specialist neuromuscular clinic. The ceiling effect constrains its use for those with the most severe fatigue. Future considerations could include assessment of the benefits of clinical interventions, particularly multidisciplinary team input or dedicated fatigue clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the COVID‐19 pandemic, novel nanoparticle‐based mRNA vaccines were developed. A small number of individuals developed allergic reactions to these vaccines although the mechanisms remain undefined. Methods: To understand COVID‐19 vaccine‐mediated allergic reactions, we enrolled 19 participants who developed allergic events within 2 h of vaccination and 13 controls, nonreactors. Using standard hemolysis assays, we demonstrated that sera from allergic participants induced stronger complement activation compared to nonallergic subjects following ex vivo vaccine exposure. Results: Vaccine‐mediated complement activation correlated with anti‐polyethelyne glycol (PEG) IgG (but not IgM) levels while anti‐PEG IgE was undetectable in all subjects. Depletion of total IgG suppressed complement activation in select individuals. To investigate the effects of vaccine excipients on basophil function, we employed a validated indirect basophil activation test that stratified the allergic populations into high and low responders. Complement C3a and C5a receptor blockade in this system suppressed basophil response, providing strong evidence for complement involvement in vaccine‐mediated basophil activation. Single‐cell multiome analysis revealed differential expression of genes encoding the cytokine response and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) pathways within the monocyte compartment. Differential chromatin accessibility for IL‐13 and IL‐1B genes was found in allergic and nonallergic participants, suggesting that in vivo, epigenetic modulation of mononuclear phagocyte immunophenotypes determines their subsequent functional responsiveness, contributing to the overall physiologic manifestation of vaccine reactions. Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying allergic reactions to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines, which may be used for future vaccine strategies in individuals with prior history of allergies or reactions and reduce vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Analyses of leaf gas exchange rely on an Ohmic analogy that arrays single stomatal, internal air space, and mesophyll conductances in series. Such models underlie inferences of mesophyll conductance and the relative humidity of leaf airspaces, reported to fall as low as 80%. An unresolved question is whether such series models are biased with respect to real leaves, whose internal air spaces are chambered at various scales by vasculature.To test whether unsaturation could emerge from modeling artifacts, we compared series model estimates with true parameter values for a chambered leaf with varying distributions and magnitudes of leaf surface conductance ('patchiness').Distributions of surface conductance can create large biases in gas exchange calculations. Both apparent unsaturation and internal CO2 gradient inversion can be produced by the evolution of broader distributions of stomatal apertures consistent with a decrease in surface conductance, as might occur under increasing vapor pressure deficit.In gas exchange experiments, the behaviors of derived quantities defined by simple series models are highly sensitive to the true partitioning of flux and stomatal apertures across leaf surfaces. New methods are needed to disentangle model artifacts from real biological responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Self‐efficacy reflects a person's perceptions of their capabilities for specific tasks and influences motivation and performance. The Unidimensional Self‐Efficacy in Neuromuscular Disorders (USE‐NM) was modified from the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) USE‐MS scale and administered to patients attending a specialist neuromuscular clinic. The aim was to investigate this measure in neuromuscular disorders and to compare between patient sex, age, and diagnosis. Methods: The USE‐NM was posted to patients recruited from a specialist neuromuscular clinic at the Walton Centre. Responses were subjected to Rasch analysis using RUMM2030 software and descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 28. Results: One hundred and ninety‐eight patients (56.1% male) grouped by age (<50; 50–59; 60–69; and >69 years) and with varied NM disorders returned the USE‐NM. It did not meet the Rasch model expectations due to disordered thresholds of items 6 and 8 ("Sometimes I feel inadequate as a person because of my neuromuscular disorder" and "I feel that my social life would be better if I did not have a neuromuscular disorder"). Following item re‐scoring, the modified USE‐NM satisfied the Rasch model with a unidimensional scale free from differential item functioning and an overall chi‐square probability of 0.146 with good reliability and validity. Post hoc nonparametric testing showed no significant difference in fatigue between sex, age, and neuromuscular diagnoses. Discussion: The Rasch‐modified USE‐NM offers a measure of self‐efficacy for neuromuscular disorders encountered in a typical specialist clinic. Future considerations could be given to assessing any benefits of multidisciplinary team input, across a specialist neuromuscular service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little information about predictors of physical therapy (PT) use among injured workers with back pain. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the associations between PT use and baseline factors not routinely captured in workers' compensation (WC) data. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using the Washington State Workers' Compensation Disability Risk Identification Study Cohort, which combines self‐reported surveys with claims data from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries State Fund. Workers with an accepted or provisional WC claim for back injury between June 2002 and April 2004 were eligible. Baseline factors for PT use were selected from six domains (socio‐demographic, pain and function, psychosocial, clinical, health behaviors, and employment‐related). The outcome was a binary measure for PT use within 1 year of injury. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the associations between PT use and baseline factors. Results: Among the 1370 eligible study participants, we identified 673 (49%) who received at least one PT service. Baseline factors from five of the six domains (all but health behaviors) were associated with PT use, including gender, income, pain and function measures, injury severity rating, catastrophizing, recovery expectations, fear avoidance, mental health score, body mass index, first provider seen for injury, previous injury, and several work‐related factors. Conclusion: We identify baseline factors that are associated with PT use, which may be useful in addressing disparities in access to care for injured workers with back pain in a WC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemically crosslinked hydrogels can be used for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins, however, cargo loading can be challenging. A common approach involves performing the hydrogel crosslinking step in the presence of the cargo proteins, however, this can require the utilization of selective chemistries to ensure the cargos do not chemically react with the forming hydrogel network. We demonstrate that chemically crosslinked hydrogels based upon the protein polymer Capsular antigen fragment 1 (Caf1) can be used to encapsulate proteins within a chemically crosslinked hydrogel network. This encapsulation exploits the "meltable" feature of Caf1 hydrogels, where upon heating the Caf1 protein unfolds with concomitant depolymerization of the hydrogel network. Protein cargos can be loaded into the "molten" form of the hydrogel which cools with protein refolding and concomitant reformation of the hydrogel network to entrap the cargos, ensuring a more homogenous dispersion of the cargo. Analysis of release profiles indicated lower burst release in comparison to release from identical hydrogels loaded by an absorption method. This work is significant because it suggest that the "meltable" feature of Caf1 hydrogels may present an improved method of loading protein cargos into crosslinked hydrogel networks whilst avoiding the need for crosslinking chemistries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical and statistical models underlie many of the world's most important fisheries management decisions. Since the 19th century, difficulty calibrating and fitting such models has been used to justify the selection of simple, stationary, single‐species models to aid tactical fisheries management decisions. Whereas these justifications are reasonable, it is imperative that we quantify the value of different levels of model complexity for supporting fisheries management, especially given a changing climate, where old methodologies may no longer perform as well as in the past. Here we argue that cost‐benefit analysis is an ideal lens to assess the value of model complexity in fisheries management. While some studies have reported the benefits of model complexity in fisheries, modeling costs are rarely considered. In the absence of cost data in the literature, we report, as a starting point, relative costs of single‐species stock assessment and marine ecosystem models from two Australian organizations. We found that costs varied by two orders of magnitude, and that ecosystem model costs increased with model complexity. Using these costs, we walk through a hypothetical example of cost‐benefit analysis. The demonstration is intended to catalyze the reporting of modeling costs and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in children poses a significant public health challenge in India. This study aims to explore the utility of host inflammatory mediators and neurofilament (NfL) levels in distinguishing etiologies, assessing disease severity, and predicting outcomes in AES. We assessed 12 mediators in serum (n = 58) and 11 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n = 42) from 62 children with AES due to scrub typhus, viral etiologies, and COVID‐associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) in Southern India. Additionally, NfL levels in serum (n = 20) and CSF (n = 18) were examined. Clinical data, including Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and Liverpool outcome scores, were recorded. Examining serum and CSF markers in the three AES etiology groups revealed notable distinctions, with scrub typhus differing significantly from viral and MIS‐C causes. Viral causes had elevated serum CCL11 and CCL2 compared with scrub typhus, while MIS‐C cases showed higher HGF levels than scrub typhus. However, CSF analysis showed a distinct pattern with the scrub typhus group exhibiting elevated levels of IL‐1RA, IL‐1β, and TNF compared with MIS‐C, and lower CCL2 levels compared with the viral group. Modeling the characteristic features, we identified that age ≥3 years with serum CCL11 < 180 pg/mL effectively distinguished scrub typhus from other AES causes. Elevated serum CCL11, HGF, and IL‐6:IL‐10 ratio were associated with poor outcomes (p = 0.038, 0.005, 0.02). Positive CSF and serum NfL correlation, and negative GCS and serum NfL correlation were observed. Median NfL levels were higher in children with abnormal admission GCS and poor outcomes. Measuring immune mediators and brain injury markers in AES provides valuable diagnostic insights, with the potential to facilitate rapid diagnosis and prognosis. The correlation between CSF and serum NfL, along with distinctive serum cytokine profiles across various etiologies, indicates the adequacy of blood samples alone for assessment and monitoring. The association of elevated levels of CCL11, HGF, and an increased IL‐6:IL‐10 ratio with adverse outcomes suggests promising avenues for therapeutic exploration, warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To achieve an excellent functional and cosmetic result, primary closure is preferred over leaving wounds to heal by secondary intention. However, traumatic wounds are often under excessive tension during wound closure and incorrect suture technique can compromise microcirculation, leading to skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. Objective: To describe an inexpensive and effective tension relief technique that helps the successful primary closure of a variety of equine wounds at high risk of dehiscence. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: All wounds that were managed with the Tension Tile System (TTS) at four Equine Hospitals between March 2017 and May 2021 were evaluated. The wounds were classified according to various criteria including anatomical location, time elapsed prior to surgery, depth of wound and post‐surgical use of immobilisation. Outcome criteria were based on the success of primary intention healing. The duration of convalescence (weeks) after surgery was also recorded. Results: During the study period, the TTS was used in 191/860 (22%) wounds repaired under general anaesthesia or standing sedation. Overall, primary intention healing (Group A) was achieved in 132 of 191 cases (69%, CI 62%–75%), with partial dehiscence (Group B) in a further 30/191 cases (16%, CI 11%–22%). Severe dehiscence (Group C) was recorded in 29/191 cases (15%, CI 11%–21%). The median convalescence time was 4 weeks (Range 3–15, interquartile range 4–6) in Group A. Main limitations: Retrospective nature of the study and subjective outcome assessment. The technique was applied to wounds under significant tension; however, this was based on a subjective assessment by the surgeons involved. Conclusions: The Tension Tile System is an economical and effective technique for challenging equine wounds under tension, in a variety of anatomical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The water status of the living tissue in leaves is critical in determining plant function and global exchange of water and CO2. Despite significant advances in the past two decades, persistent questions remain about the tissue‐specific origins of leaf hydraulic properties and their dependence on water status.We use a fluorescent nanoparticle reporter that provides water potential in the mesophyll apoplast adjacent to the epidermis of intact leaves to complement existing methods based on the Scholander Pressure Chamber (SPC). Working in tomato leaves, this approach provides access to the hydraulic conductance of the whole leaf, xylem, and outside‐xylem tissues.These measurements show that, as stem water potential decreases, the water potential in the mesophyll apoplast can drop below that assessed with the SPC and can fall significantly below the turgor loss point of the leaf. We find that this drop in potential, dominated by the large loss (10‐fold) of hydraulic conductance of the outside‐xylem tissue, is not however strong enough to significantly limit transpiration.These observations highlight the need to reassess models of water transfer through the outside‐xylem tissues, the potential importance of this tissue in regulating transpiration, and the power of new approaches for probing leaf hydraulics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As individuals age, they may need new strategies to manage exacerbations of chronic disease to maintain their dignity and independence. Many end up in a revolving cycle of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and post‐acute care. Support to stay at home, which is often their preference, becomes a challenge and varies with insurance coverage, location, and financial status. There are few home‐based options sufficiently agile enough to respond when acute conditions arise particularly with exacerbations of chronic disease. Methods: In 2018, Integra designed a home‐based option to treat acute exacerbations of chronic illness. A partnership with community paramedicine enabled faster response times and provided additional treatment tools. Using process improvement methodology, we developed "Integra at Home" workflows and team‐based care. We counted averted emergency visits and hospitalizations, patient and staff satisfaction, and evidence of financial sustainability as a result of our program. Results: Integra successfully developed a suite of home‐based services, including responses to acute problems, to address beneficiaries' fluctuating medical needs. Following responses to 415 acute events, 74% (N = 307) resulted in averted emergency department visits. Based on InterQual® criteria, 34% (N = 103) of averted visits would have qualified as an averted hospitalization. All 64 respondents to patient surveys (N = 170) stated they would recommend our program. The staff indicated the model is a better way of caring for patients with higher rewards than traditional settings. The average length of stay in hospice for patients referred from the program (N = 22) was 4 weeks. Conclusions: Home‐based care continuums are feasible, yet resources to manage acute exacerbations remain inadequate. To fill this gap, we created higher acuity services to respond to urgent needs and monitor symptoms between episodes. Amid successes and challenges, we are serving higher acuity older adults in Integra's home‐based continuum model. We encourage further spread of longitudinal home‐based acute care models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric myoelectric signals have been the focus of extensive research; although it is unclear how general anesthesia affects these signals, and studies have often been conducted under general anesthesia. Here, we explore this issue directly by recording gastric myoelectric signals during awake and anesthetized states in the ferret and explore the contribution of behavioral movement to observed changes in signal power. Methods: Ferrets were surgically implanted with electrodes to record gastric myoelectric activity from the serosal surface of the stomach, and, following recovery, were tested in awake and isoflurane‐anesthetized conditions. Video recordings were also analyzed during awake experiments to compare myoelectric activity during behavioral movement and rest. Key Results: A significant decrease in gastric myoelectric signal power was detected under isoflurane anesthesia compared to the awake condition. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the awake recordings indicates that behavioral movement is associated with increased signal power compared to rest. Conclusions & Inferences: These results suggest that both general anesthesia and behavioral movement can affect the signal power of gastric myoelectric recordings. In summary, caution should be taken in studying myoelectric data collected under anesthesia. Further, behavioral movement could have an important modulatory role on these signals, affecting their interpretation in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a dearth of literature describing young adult (YA) cancer survivors' experiences with cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI). We aimed to elucidate CRCI among YA cancer survivors and identify potentially modifiable risk factors. Methods: We conducted individual qualitative interviews with YA cancer survivors aged 18–30 years at study enrollment and used applied thematic analysis to identify themes across three topics (i.e., affected cognitive abilities, risk and protective factors influencing the impact of CRCI, and strategies for coping with CRCI). Results: YA cancer survivors (N = 20) were, on average, 23 years old at diagnosis and 26 years old when interviewed. Diverse cancer types and treatments were represented; most participants (85%) had completed cancer treatment. Participants described experiences across three qualitative topics: (1) affected cognitive abilities (i.e., concentration and attention, prospective memory, and long‐term memory), (2) Risk factors (i.e., fatigue, sleep problems, mood, stress/distractions, and social isolation) and protective factors (i.e., social support), and (3) coping strategies, including practical strategies that helped build self‐efficacy (e.g., writing things down, reducing distractions), beneficial emotion‐focused coping strategies (e.g., focus on health, faith/religion), strategies with mixed effects (i.e., apps/games, medications/supplements, and yoga), and "powering through" strategies that exacerbated stress. Conclusions: YA cancer survivors experience enduring cognitive difficulties after treatment. Specific concerns highlight the importance of attention and executive functioning impairments, long‐term memory recall, and sensitivity to distractions. Future work is needed to improve assessment and treatment of CRCI among YA cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic health conditions impact worker outcomes but are challenging to measure using administrative workers' compensation (WC) data. The Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) was developed to predict functional outcomes in community‐based adult populations, but has not been validated for WC settings. We assessed a WC‐based FCI (additive index of 18 conditions) for identifying chronic conditions and predicting work outcomes. Methods: WC data were linked to a prospective survey in Ohio (N = 512) and Washington (N = 2,839). Workers were interviewed 6 weeks and 6 months after work‐related injury. Observed prevalence and concordance were calculated; survey data provided the reference standard for WC data. Predictive validity and utility for control of confounding were assessed using 6‐month work‐related outcomes. Results: The WC‐based FCI had high specificity but low sensitivity and was weakly associated with work‐related outcomes. The survey‐based FCI suggested more comorbidity in the Ohio sample (Ohio mean = 1.38; Washington mean = 1.14), whereas the WC‐based FCI suggested more comorbidity in the Washington sample (Ohio mean = 0.10; Washington mean = 0.33). In the confounding assessment, adding the survey‐based FCI to the base model moved the state effect estimates slightly toward null (<1% change). However, substituting the WC‐based FCI moved the estimate away from null (8.95% change). Conclusions: The WC‐based FCI may be useful for identifying specific subsets of workers with chronic conditions, but less useful for chronic condition prevalence. Using the WC‐based FCI cross‐state appeared to introduce substantial confounding. We strongly advise caution—including state‐specific analyses with a reliable reference standard—before using a WC‐based FCI in studies involving multiple states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple sequential addition protocol for the reductive coupling of ketones and aldehydes by a potassium aluminyl grants access to unsymmetrical pinacolate derivatives. Isolation of an aluminium ketyl complex presents evidence for the accessibility of radical species. Product release from the aluminium centre was achieved using an iodosilane, forming the disilylated 1,2‐diol and a neutral aluminium iodide, thereby demonstrating the steps required to generate a closed synthetic cycle for pinacol (cross) coupling at an aluminyl anion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Impaired adipogenic differentiation exacerbates metabolic disease in obesity. This study reported that high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice housed at thermoneutrality exhibited impaired adipogenic differentiation, attributed to increased expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9). However, the impact of HFD on adipogenic differentiation is reportedly variable, possibly reflecting divergent environmental conditions such as housing temperature. Methods: C57BL/6J (wild‐type [WT]) mice were housed at either thermoneutral (28–30°C) or ambient (20–22°C) temperature and fed HFD or chow diet (CD) for 12 weeks. For acute exposure experiments, WT or transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) knockout mice housed under thermoneutrality were acutely exposed to ambient temperature for 6 to 24 h. Results: WT mice fed HFD and housed at thermoneutrality, compared with ambient temperature, gained more weight despite reduced food intake. They likewise exhibited increased inguinal adipose tissue HDAC9 expression and reduced adipogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo compared with CD‐fed mice. Conversely, HFD‐fed mice housed at ambient temperature exhibited minimal change in adipose HDAC9 expression or adipogenic differentiation. Acute exposure of WT mice to ambient temperature reduced adipose HDAC9 expression independent of sympathetic β‐adrenergic signaling via a TRPM8‐dependent mechanism. Conclusions: Adipose HDAC9 expression is temperature sensitive, regulating adipogenic differentiation in HFD‐fed mice housed under thermoneutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sediments, the bioavailability and toxicity of Ni are strongly influenced by its sorption to manganese (Mn) oxides, which largely originate from the redox metabolism of microbes. However, microbes are concurrently susceptible to the toxic effects of Ni, which establishes complex interactions between toxicity and redox processes. This study measured the effect of Ni on growth, pellicle biofilm formation and oxidation of the Mn‐oxidizing bacteria Pseudomonas putida GB‐1. In liquid media, Ni exposure decreased the intrinsic growth rate but allowed growth to the stationary phase in all intermediate treatments. Manganese oxidation was 67% less than control for bacteria exposed to 5 μM Ni and completely ceased in all treatments above 50 μM. Pellicle biofilm development decreased exponentially with Ni concentration (maximum 92% reduction) and was replaced by planktonic growth in higher Ni treatments. In solid media assays, growth was unaffected by Ni exposure, but Mn oxidation completely ceased in treatments above 10 μM of Ni. Our results show that sublethal Ni concentrations substantially alter Mn oxidation rates and pellicle biofilm development in P. putida GB‐1, which has implications for toxic metal bioavailability to the entire benthic community and the environmental consequences of metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess relationships between urine sediment and microbial culture findings and the presence of proteinuria in canine urine samples, and to assess the change in the percentage of proteinuric samples and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio when urine abnormalities resolve. Materials and Methods: Canine urine samples collected via cystocentesis and submitted for culture and contemporaneous urinalysis (including urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio) were retrospectively identified. Dogs receiving corticosteroids were excluded. Associations between haematuria (red blood cells>5/high‐power field), pyuria (white blood cells>5/high‐power field), presence of microorganisms on microscopy, active sediment, and positive culture and proteinuria (urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio>0.5) were investigated. Patient characteristics were considered possible confounders. In dogs with repeat urinalysis, the associations between active sediment and positive culture resolution on proteinuria and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio were assessed. Results: One hundred and ninety‐two of 491 samples were proteinuric (39.1%). Age was positively associated with proteinuria. In the multivariable analysis corrected for age, active sediment was the only variable significantly associated with proteinuria (adjusted odds ratio: 2.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.44 to 3.11); however, only 49.8% of samples with active sediment were proteinuric. Neither resolution of active sediment nor positive culture were associated with reduced proportions of proteinuric samples (from 57.9% to 42.1% and from 40.0% to 25.0%, respectively) or significant reductions in urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (median change: −0.16 and −0.14, respectively). Clinical Significance: Attributing proteinuria to urinalysis abnormalities or a positive urine culture in canine cystocentesis samples is not supported by our findings, and could result in alternative causes of proteinuria (e.g. renal proteinuria) being overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are a recommended treatment for glomerular proteinuria. Frequency of response to ACEi and the association of achieving proposed urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) targets on survival is unknown. Objectives: To determine response rates to ACEi therapy and whether a positive response is associated with improved survival. Animals: Eighty‐five dogs with proteinuria (UPC > 2.0). Methods: Retrospective study including dogs (UPC > 2.0) prescribed an ACEi for treatment of proteinuria. Baseline creatinine, albumin, cholesterol, UPC, and systolic blood pressure were recorded, and cases reviewed to track UPC. Treatment response was defined as achieving a UPC of <0.5 or reduction of ≥50% from baseline within 3 months. Outcome data were collected to determine overall and 12‐month survival. Results: Thirty‐five (41%) dogs responded to ACEi treatment. Treatment response was statistically associated with both median survival time (664 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 459‐869] for responders compared to 177 [95% CI: 131‐223] for non‐responders) and 12‐month survival (79% responders alive compared to 28% non‐responders). Baseline azotemia or hypoalbuminemia were also associated with a worse prognosis, with odds ratios of death at 12 months of 5.34 (CI: 1.85‐17.32) and 4.51 (CI: 1.66‐13.14), respectively. In the 25 dogs with normal baseline creatinine and albumin, response to treatment was associated with 12‐month survival (92% responders alive compared to 54% non‐responders, P =.04). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: When the UPC is >2.0, achieving recommended UPC targets within 3 months appears to be associated with a significant survival benefit. Response to treatment is still associated with survival benefit in dogs with less severe disease (no azotemia or hypoalbuminemia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reef ecosystems globally are under threat, leading to declining coral cover and macroalgal proliferation. Manually removing macroalgae (i.e. 'sea‐weeding') may promote local‐scale coral recovery by reducing a biological barrier, though the impact of removal on community composition of benthic reef organisms has not been quantified.In this three‐year study (2018–2021), fleshy macroalgae (predominantly Sargassum spp.) were periodically removed from 25 m2 experimental plots on two inshore fringing reefs of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) in the central Great Barrier Reef.By the end of the study, coral cover in removal plots (n = 12 plots) assessed through in‐field transects increased by at least 47% (2019 mean: 25.5%, 2021 mean: 37.4%), and macroalgal cover decreased by more than half. In contrast, in control plots (n = 12 plots), there was no change in macroalgal cover while coral cover remained stable (2019 mean: 16.4%, 2021 mean: 13.6%).Changes in benthic cover were supported by photoquadrat data, with Bayesian probability modelling indicating a 100% likelihood that coral cover more than doubled in removal plots over the study period, compared to only a 29% chance of increased coral cover in control plots.Synthesis and applications. Manual macroalgal removal can provide rapid benefits and enhance inshore coral reef recovery. Through involvement of community groups and citizen scientists, larger scale removal of macroalgae is a low‐tech, high‐impact, and achievable method for local reef management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work is an important social determinant of health; unfortunately, work‐related injuries remain prevalent, can have devastating impact on worker health, and can impose heavy economic burdens on workers and society. Occupational health services research (OHSR) underpins occupational health services policy and practice, focusing on health determinants, health services, healthcare delivery, and health systems affecting workers. The field of OHSR has undergone tremendous expansion in both definition and scope over the past 25 years. In this commentary, focusing on the US, we document the historical development and evolution of OHSR as a research field, describe current doctoral‐level OHSR training, and discuss challenges and opportunities for the OHSR field. We also propose an updated definition for the OHSR field: Research and evaluation related to the determinants of worker health and well‐being; to occupational injury and illness prevention and surveillance; to healthcare, health programs, and health policy affecting workers; and to the organization, access, quality, outcomes, and costs of occupational health services and related health systems. Researchers trained in OHSR are essential contributors to improvements in healthcare, health systems, and policy and programs to improve worker health and productivity, as well as equity and justice in job and employment conditions. We look forward to the continued growth of OHSR as a field and to the expansion of OHSR academic training opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the spring and summer, high rates of primary production occur in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) when nutrients are supplied to the euphotic zone. During periods of intense coastal upwelling, a flux of the micronutrient iron comes from nearshore sedimentary sources. In this upwelling region, mesoscale filament features distribute iron laterally, leading to distinct iron‐influenced ecological zones. This study is the first to focus on the biogeochemical links between iron, the macronutrients, and particulates in coastal upwelling filaments. Broad spatial patterns of iron and biogenic silica concentrations, and proxies of iron‐stress of diatoms, support results from microcosm amendment studies conducted during CCE Long Term Ecological Research process cruises in the summers of 2017 and 2019. We found that the benthic boundary layer and shoreward filament endmember supply dissolved and total dissolvable iron to this feature, but rapid assimilation and sinking by biogenic particles (e.g., diatoms) depletes the surface concentrations. Subsequently, diatom blooms which form in recently upwelled water masses become iron limited over time, thereby affecting the ratios of surface macronutrient reservoirs and biogeochemical advective fluxes. The development of Fe‐limitation during lateral advection may lead to efficient carbon export downstream and offshore of the region with the highest phytoplankton growth rates and productivity. Plain Language Summary: Along the western continental margin of the United States, seasonal upwelling filaments appear as fast‐flowing waters with high concentrations of nutrients (e.g., nitrate, silicic acid, iron) and phytoplankton. Diatoms dominate the phytoplankton communities in filaments, and they accumulate particulate matter as organic carbon and dense biogenic silica. During transport offshore, diatoms quickly deplete the surface of the critical micronutrient iron (Fe) and become Fe‐limited. Using shipboard incubation experiments, we show that Fe‐stressed diatom communities become more heavily silicified, and thus denser. Iron‐stress indicators consistently correspond with these phytoplankton community biochemical reconfigurations in two separate studies of filaments, thereby demonstrating a mechanism for enhanced diatom community export out of the surface ocean in later stages of filaments. Key Points: Upwelling filaments become Fe‐limited features in the ocean, as sinking diatoms deplete surface dFe concentrations and are advected offshoreIron‐limitation of diatom blooms is evidenced by in situ geochemical proxies (e.g., negative Siex) and deckboard Fe amendment experimentsGreater biogenic silica‐to‐particulate organic carbon ratios among diatom communities make filaments hotspots of particulate matter export [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three distinct routes are reported to the soluble, dihydridoaluminate compounds, AM[Al(NONDipp)(H)2] (AM=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; [NONDipp]2−=[O(SiMe2NDipp)2]2−; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) starting from the alkali metal aluminyls, AM[Al(NONDipp)]. Direct H2 hydrogenation of the heavier analogues (AM=Rb, Cs) produced the first examples of structurally characterized rubidium and caesium dihydridoaluminates, although harsh conditions were required for complete conversion. Using 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) as an alternative hydrogen source in transfer hydrogenation reactions provided a lower energy pathway to the full series of products for AM=Li−Cs. A further moderation in conditions was noted for the thermal decomposition of the (silyl)(hydrido)aluminates, AM[Al(NONDipp)(H)(SiH2Ph)]. Probing the reaction of Cs[Al(NONDipp)] with 1,4‐CHD provided access to a novel inverse sandwich complex, [{Cs(Et2O)}2{Al(NONDipp)(H)}2(C6H6)], containing the 1,4‐dialuminated [C6H6]2− dianion and representing the first time that an intermediate in the commonly utilized oxidation process of 1,4‐CHD to benzene has been trapped. The synthetic utility of the newly installed Al−H bonds has been demonstrated by their ability to reduce CO2 under mild conditions to form the bis‐formate AM[Al(NONDipp)(O2CH)2] compounds, which exhibit a diverse series of eyecatching bimetallacyclic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity conservation and management requires surveillance that captures the full spectrum of taxa. Here, we showcase the potential for a portfolio of visual, extractive, and molecular methods for detecting previously hidden components of tropical fish biodiversity in an economically and culturally valuable marine site that spans a tropical‐temperate ecotone—the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. With scale and practicality in mind, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) methods deployed in a stratified sampling design can yield a more comprehensive monitoring program for species presence than current alternatives (e.g., extractive sampling via anesthetic). eDNA from filtered water samples detected up to six times as many cryptobenthic fish species per site than samples collected with anesthetic, indicating it is a potentially powerful tool for assessing biodiversity of tropical fishes. However, there were also species that were only found when using anesthetic and the contribution of cryptobenthic species to overall diversity of the fish assemblage was unexpectedly low, suggesting not all cryptobenthic fish species have been detected with eDNA. There were also distinct differences in cryptobenthic assemblages both among sites and sample depths (2–3 m) when using eDNA from filtered water, suggesting this technique may be able to identify fine scale spatial differences in cryptobenthic fish assemblage. eDNA collected from water detects the most cryptobenthic species and is therefore an efficient tool for rapidly assessing biodiversity, but extractive techniques may still be required for biological and monitoring studies, and when combined with eDNA sampling provides the most comprehensive assessment of cryptobenthic fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depth‐based and radar‐based remote sensing methods (e.g., lidar, synthetic aperture radar) are promising approaches for remotely measuring snow water equivalent (SWE) at high spatial resolution. These approaches require snow density estimates, obtained from in‐situ measurements or density models, to calculate SWE. However, in‐situ measurements are operationally limited, and few density models have seen extensive evaluation. Here, we combine near‐coincident, lidar‐measured snow depths with ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) two‐way travel times (twt) of snowpack thickness to derive >20 km of relative permittivity estimates from nine dry and two wet snow surveys at Grand Mesa, Cameron Pass, and Ranch Creek, Colorado. We tested three equations for converting dry snow relative permittivity to snow density and found the Kovacs et al. (1995) equation to yield the best comparison with in‐situ measurements (RMSE = 54 kg m−3). Variogram analyses revealed a 19 m median correlation length for relative permittivity and snow density in dry snow, which increased to >30 m in wet conditions. We compared derived densities with estimated densities from several empirical models, the Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS), and the physically based iSnobal model. Estimated and derived densities were combined with snow depths and twt to evaluate density model performance within SWE remote sensing methods. The Jonas et al. (2009) empirical model yielded the most accurate SWE from lidar snow depths (RMSE = 51 mm), whereas SNODAS yielded the most accurate SWE from GPR twt (RMSE = 41 mm). Densities from both models generated SWE estimates within ±10% of derived SWE when SWE averaged >400 mm, however, model uncertainty increased to >20% when SWE averaged <300 mm. The development and refinement of density models, particularly in lower SWE conditions, is a high priority to fully realize the potential of SWE remote sensing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No previous studies have reported predictors and moderators of outcome of psychological therapies for depression experienced by adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs). We investigated baseline variables as outcome predictors and moderators based on a randomised controlled trial where behavioural activation was compared with guided self‐help. Methods: This study was an exploratory secondary data analysis of data collected during a randomised clinical trial. Participants (n = 161) were randomised to behavioural activation or guided self‐help and followed up for 12 months. Pre‐treatment variables were included if they have previously been shown to be associated with an increased risk of having depression in adults with IDs or have been reported as a potential predictor or moderator of outcome of treatment for depression with psychological therapies. The primary outcome measure, the Glasgow Depression Scale for Adults with Learning Disabilities (GDS‐LD), was used as the dependant variable in mixed effects regression analyses testing for predictors and moderators of outcome, with baseline GDS‐LD, treatment group, study centre and antidepressant use as fixed effects, and therapist as a random effect. Results: Higher baseline anxiety (mean difference in outcome associated with a 1 point increase in anxiety 0.164, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.031, 0.297; P = 0.016), lower performance intelligence quotient (IQ) (mean difference in outcome associated with a 1 point increase in IQ 0.145, 95% CI 0.009, 0.280; P = 0.037) and hearing impairment (mean difference 3.449, 95% CI 0.466, 6.432; P = 0.024) were predictors of poorer outcomes, whilst greater severity of depressive symptoms at baseline (mean difference in outcome associated with 1 point increase in depression −0.160, 95% CI −0.806, −0.414; P < 0.001), higher expectation of change (mean difference in outcome associated with a 1 point increase in expectation of change −1.013, 95% CI −1.711, −0.314; p 0.005) and greater percentage of therapy sessions attended (mean difference in outcome with 1 point increase in percentage of sessions attended −0.058, 95% CI −0.099, −0.016; P = 0.007) were predictors of more positive outcomes for treatment after adjusting for randomised group allocation. The final model included severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower WASI performance IQ subscale, hearing impairment, higher expectation of change and percentage of therapy sessions attended and explained 35.3% of the variance in the total GDS‐LD score at 12 months (R2 = 0.353, F4, 128 = 17.24, P < 0.001). There is no evidence that baseline variables had a moderating effect on outcome for treatment with behavioural activation or guided self‐help. Conclusions: Our results suggest that baseline variables may be useful predictors of outcomes of psychological therapies for adults with IDs. Further research is required to examine the value of these potential predictors. However, our findings suggest that therapists consider how baseline variables may enable them to tailor their therapeutic approach when using psychological therapies to treat depression experienced by adults with IDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Genetic associations with Alzheimer's disease (AD) age at onset (AAO) could reveal genetic variants with therapeutic applications. We present a large Colombian kindred with autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) as a unique opportunity to discover AAO genetic associations. METHODS: A genetic association study was conducted to examine ADAD AAO in 340 individuals with the PSEN1 E280A mutation via TOPMed array imputation. Replication was assessed in two ADAD cohorts, one sporadic early‐onset AD study and four late‐onset AD studies. RESULTS: 13 variants had p<1×10−7 or p<1×10−5 with replication including three independent loci with candidate associations with clusterin including near CLU. Other suggestive associations were identified in or near HS3ST1, HSPG2, ACE, LRP1B, TSPAN10, and TSPAN14. DISCUSSION: Variants with suggestive associations with AAO were associated with biological processes including clusterin, heparin sulfate, and amyloid processing. The detection of these effects in the presence of a strong mutation for ADAD reinforces their potentially impactful role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There are many ways to increase physical activity (PA) during the school day as part of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Plan. This article reviews policies and practices that can be used during the school day to increase PA for students. METHODS: We searched systematic reviews for articles that met criteria (2010‐2018, phase 1), followed by a search for individual articles addressing topics for which we did not identify a sufficiently relevant or recent review or to update an earlier review that concluded insufficient evidence (2010‐2020, phase 2). We included 45 articles (45 studies, 54 interventions). RESULTS: We grouped studies by intervention type: school‐wide PA approaches to reach all students within the school setting (17), physical education (PE) interventions (13), and interventions related to recess (15). Few studies involved secondary schools or rural settings. Among 45 studies reporting PA behavior or fitness outcomes, 37 reported at least 1 improvement. CONCLUSIONS: PA policies, PE, and recess can help improve school health by increasing the PA levels of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need to better understand the role of modifiable risk factors in the development of racial/ethnic health disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, research is lacking on how clinical risk scores may interact with genetic liability for dementia in diverse populations. Here, we examined the influence of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia Risk Score (CAIDE) and APOE genotype on MCI/Dementia risk in non‐Latinx White (NLW), Black, and Latinx populations. Method: Participants were from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Dataset who self‐reported as NLW (n = 15,296), Black (n = 2,136), or Latinx (n = 955) who were either cognitively normal or had a clinical diagnosis of MCI/Dementia at baseline (Table 1). CAIDE is comprised of age, gender, years of education, hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesteremia with scores ranging from 0‐14. Logistic regression models stratified by race/ethnicity were used to examine the association between CAIDE, APOE genotype, or their combination (9 categories combining favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable CAIDE scores with APOE e3/e3, e2+, and e4+) on MCI/dementia (Fig. 1‐2). Population differences were determined using Fisher's z‐score method. Results: APOE e2+ was associated with reduced odds of MCI/dementia in NLW participants, while APOE e4+ was associated with increased risk in Latinx, Black, and NLW participants. Higher CAIDE scores were associated with increased risk of MCI/dementia in Latinx and NLW but were non‐significant in Black participants. The association of CAIDE on MCI/dementia in Black participants was significantly different from that in NLW and Latinx participants. Similarly, the effect of APOE e4+ on the risk of MCI/dementia was weaker in Latinx compared to NLW participants. In NLW, increasingly unfavorable modifiable risk profiles attenuated the protective effect of APOE e2+ and accentuated the deleterious impact of APOE e4+ on MCI/dementia. In Black participants, modifiable risk factors did not significantly affect the relationship between APOE genotype and MCI/dementia; in Latinx participants, there was only a moderate effect. Conclusion: The risk associated with APOE on MCI/Dementia is moderated by modifiable risk factors with suggestive population‐specific effects. Addressing health disparities will require risk scores that combine clinical, genetic, and social determinants of health and are applicable across diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azacitidine (AZA) is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and epigenetic modulator that can be an effective agent in combination with chemotherapy for patients with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, biological factors driving the therapeutic response of such hypomethylating agent (HMA)‐based therapies remain unknown. Herein, the transcriptome and/or genome‐wide 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is characterized for 41 patients with high‐risk AML from a phase 1 clinical trial treated with AZA epigenetic priming followed by high‐dose cytarabine and mitoxantrone (AZA‐HiDAC‐Mito). Digital cytometry reveals that responders have elevated Granulocyte‐macrophage‐progenitor‐like (GMP‐like) malignant cells displaying an active cell cycle program. Moreover, the enrichment of natural killer (NK) cells predicts a favorable outcome in patients receiving AZA‐HiDAC‐Mito therapy or other AZA‐based therapies. Comparing 5hmC profiles before and after five‐day treatment of AZA shows that AZA exposure induces dose‐dependent 5hmC changes, in which the magnitude correlates with overall survival (p = 0.015). An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model is developed to predict the treatment response based on 5hmC levels of 11 genes, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.860. These results suggest that cellular composition markedly impacts the treatment response, and showcase the prospect of 5hmC signatures in predicting the outcomes of HMA‐based therapies in AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To create a simplified model of the eye by which we can specify a key optical characteristic of the crystalline lens, namely its power. Methods: Cycloplegic refraction and axial length were obtained in 60 eyes of 30 healthy subjects at eccentricities spanning 40° nasal to 40° temporal and were fitted with a three‐dimensional parabolic model. Keratometric values and geometric distances to the cornea, lens and retina from 45 eyes supplied a numerical ray tracing model. Posterior lens curvature (PLC) was found by optimising the refractive data using a fixed lens equivalent refractive index (neq). Then, neq was found using a fixed PLC. Results: Eccentric refractive errors were relatively hyperopic in eyes with central refractions ≤−1.44 D but relatively myopic in emmetropes and hyperopes. Posterior lens power, which cannot be measured directly, was derived from the optimised model lens. There was a weak, negative association between derived PLC and central spherical equivalent refraction. Regardless of refractive error, the posterior retinal curvature remained fixed. Conclusions: By combining both on‐ and off‐axis refractions and eye length measurements, this simplified model enabled the specification of posterior lens power and captured off‐axis lenticular characteristics. The broad distribution in off‐axis lens power represents a notable contrast to the relative stability of retinal curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists and managers rely on indicator taxa such as coral and macroalgal cover to evaluate the effects of human disturbance on coral reefs, often assuming a universally positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae. Despite evidence that macroalgae respond to local stressors in diverse ways, there have been few efforts to evaluate relationships between specific macroalgae taxa and local human‐driven disturbance. Using genus‐level monitoring data from 1205 sites in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we assess whether macroalgae percent cover correlates with local human disturbance while accounting for factors that could obscure or confound relationships. Assessing macroalgae at genus level revealed that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics. Instead, we found relationships between the division or genera of algae and specific human disturbances that were not detectable when pooling taxa into a single functional category, which is common to many analyses. The convention to use percent cover of macroalgae as an indication of local human disturbance therefore likely obscures signatures of local anthropogenic threats to reefs. Our limited understanding of relationships between human disturbance, macroalgae taxa, and their responses to human disturbances impedes the ability to diagnose and respond appropriately to these threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Studies of dog remains focused on the Iron Age southern Levant generally highlight their unique nature in the archaeological context, specifically in relation to their post‐mortem exploitation. Here we review the published archaeological and textual data to evaluate the current understanding of dogs' roles in their Iron Age settings. The analysis reveals that dogs are relatively common in the archaeological record, having been reported at 66% of sites. This study further contextualizes this presence in light of their co‐occurrence with caprine and wild taxa. The significant number of dog remains indicates that they were part of the social matrix of a village. While dogs have been viewed as 'unclean' or pariah, based on certain textual references in the Hebrew Bible, we assert, on the basis of the archaeological record, that they were part of the life of the village, functioning as herders, guards and occasionally hunters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to assess if genotype–phenotype correlations are present within ocular manifestations of Kabuki syndrome (KS) among a large multicenter cohort. We conducted a retrospective, medical record review including clinical history and comprehensive ophthalmological examinations of a total of 47 individuals with molecularly confirmed KS and ocular manifestations at Boston Children's Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. We assessed information regarding ocular structural, functional, and adnexal elements as well as pertinent associated phenotypic features associated with KS. For both type 1 KS (KS1) and type 2 KS (KS2), we observed more severe eye pathology in nonsense variants towards the C‐terminus of each gene, KMT2D and KDM6A, respectively. Furthermore, frameshift variants appeared to be not associated with structural ocular elements. Between both types of KS, ocular structural elements were more frequently identified in KS1 compared with KS2, which only involved the optic disc in our cohort. These results reinforce the need for a comprehensive ophthalmologic exam upon diagnosis of KS and regular follow‐up exams. The specific genotype may allow risk stratification of the severity of the ophthalmologic manifestation. However, additional studies involving larger cohorts are needed to replicate our observations and conduct powered analyses to more formally risk‐stratify based on genotype, highlighting the importance of multicenter collaborations in rare disease research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure causes long‐term changes in the brain and behavior of adult male rodents, including persistent induction of innate immune pathways, reductions in hippocampal neurogenic and forebrain cholinergic neuronal markers, and reversal learning deficits. The current study tests the hypothesis that proinflammatory induction mediates AIE‐induced (1) loss of adult neurogenesis (i.e., doublecortin (DCX) expressing immature neurons), (2) reductions in forebrain and hippocampal cholinergic markers, and (3) reversal learning deficits. Methods: Male and female rats underwent AIE (5.0 g/kg/day ethanol or water, i.g., 2 day‐on/2 day‐off from postnatal day (PND) 25–54), followed by a 2‐week regimen of the anti‐inflammatory compound indomethacin (4.0 g/kg/day, PND 56–69) or vehicle, after which one cohort was euthanized for immunohistochemical markers (PND 70) and the second underwent the Morris water maze to assess reversal learning. Results: AIE reduced adult (PND 70) DCX+ immunoreactivity (IR) and increased hippocampal expression of the innate immune signal's high‐mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1 + IR) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2 + IR) in adult male and female rats. AIE also reduced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT+IR) in the basal forebrain and co‐labeling of hippocampal vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT+) cholinergic terminals on DCX + IR neurons. Indomethacin treatment after AIE restored molecular endpoints to control levels and rescued AIE‐induced reversal learning deficits in the Morris water maze in both sexes. Of note, indomethacin produced several adverse effects selectively in control conditions, highlighting the uniquely beneficial effect of indomethacin in AIE rats. Conclusions: These data suggest that in males and females, (1) AIE persistent neuroimmune induction mediates both the loss of adult hippocampal DCX and loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and their innervation to hippocampal targets, and (2) anti‐inflammatory indomethacin treatment following AIE that restores these persistent molecular pathologies also restores spatial reversal learning deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the important role of coalescence in preparing leaders to engage in a diverse society. The authors draw on intersectional and critical frames to understand coalescence. Using supporting data from a study on BIPOC student leaders, the authors demonstrate the ways in which students build capacity for coalescence and recommend strategies to cultivate environments that promote this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The hydraulic system of vascular plants and its integrity is essential for plant survival. To transport water under tension, the walls of xylem conduits must approximate rigid pipes. Against this expectation, conduit deformation has been reported in the leaves of a few species and hypothesized to function as a 'circuit breaker' against embolism. Experimental evidence is lacking, and its generality is unknown.We demonstrated the role of conduit deformation in protecting the upstream xylem from embolism through experiments on three species and surveyed a diverse selection of vascular plants for conduit deformation in leaves.Conduit deformation in minor veins occurred before embolism during slow dehydration. When leaves were exposed to transient increases in transpiration, conduit deformation was accompanied by large water potential differences from leaf to stem and minimal embolism in the upstream xylem. In the three species tested, collapsible vein endings provided clear protection of upstream xylem from embolism during transient increases in transpiration.We found conduit deformation in diverse vascular plants, including 11 eudicots, ginkgo, a cycad, a fern, a bamboo, and a grass species, but not in two bamboo and a palm species, demonstrating that the potential for 'circuit breaker' functionality may be widespread across vascular plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frequently expressed viewpoint across the Earth science community is that global soil moisture estimates from satellite L‐band (1.4 GHz) measurements represent moisture only in a shallow surface layer (0–5 cm) and consequently are of limited value for studying global terrestrial ecosystems because plants use water from deeper rootzones. Using this argumentation, many observation‐based land surface studies avoid satellite‐observed soil moisture. Here, based on peer‐reviewed literature across several fields, we argue that such a viewpoint is overly limiting for two reasons. First, microwave soil emission depth considerations and statistical considerations of vertically correlated soil moisture information together indicate that L‐band measurements carry information about soil moisture extending below the commonly referenced 5 cm in many conditions. However, spatial variations of effective depths of representation remain uncertain. Second, in reviewing isotopic tracer field studies of plant water uptake, we find a prevalence of vegetation that primarily draws moisture from these upper soil layers. This is especially true for grasslands and croplands covering more than a third of global vegetated surfaces. Even some deeper‐rooted species (i.e., shrubs and trees) preferentially or seasonally draw water from the upper soil layers. Therefore, L‐band satellite soil moisture estimates are more relevant to global vegetation water uptake than commonly appreciated (i.e., relevant beyond only shallow soil processes like soil evaporation). Our commentary encourages the application of satellite soil moisture across a broader range of terrestrial hydrosphere and biosphere studies while urging more rigorous estimates of its effective depth of representation. Key Points: L‐band satellite soil moisture effective depth of representation is often deeper than the commonly referenced 5 cm limitIsotopic tracer studies reveal common preferential plant water use of moisture in these upper soil layers either primarily or seasonallyThe optimal soil moisture product changes in time and space, with satellite soil moisture often being optimal for many vegetated surfaces [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including alcohol use disorder (AUD), are associated with induction of proinflammatory neuroimmune signalling and neurodegeneration. In previous studies, we found increased expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), activated NF‐κB p65 (RELA), and other proinflammatory signalling molecules. Proinflammatory NADPH oxidases generate reactive oxygen species, which are linked to neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that AUD increased RELA activation increases NADPH oxidase‐oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress cell death cascades in association with neuronal cell death in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In the AUD OFC, we report mRNA induction of several NADPH oxidases, the dual oxidase DUOX2, and the oxidative stress lipid peroxidation marker 4‐HNE and the DNA oxidation marker 8‐OHdG that correlate with RELA, a marker of proinflammatory NF‐κB activation. This was accompanied by increased expression of the ER stress‐associated regulator protein glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), transmembrane sensors activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and inositol‐requiring kinase/endonuclease 1 (pIRE1), and the pro‐apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Expression of NADPH oxidase‐oxidative stress markers correlate with ER stress‐associated molecules. Induction of oxidative stress and ER stress signalling pathways correlate with expression of cell death‐associated caspases and neuronal cell loss. These data support the hypothesis that proinflammatory RELA‐mediated induction of NADPH oxidase‐oxidative stress and ER stress‐associated signalling cascades is associated with neuronal cell death in the post‐mortem human OFC of individuals with AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Associations between the intensity of physical therapy (PT) treatments and health outcomes among individuals with back pain have been examined in the general population; however, few studies have explored these associations in injured workers. Our study objective was to examine whether intensity of PT treatments is positively associated with work and health outcomes in injured workers with back pain. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of prospective data collected from the Washington State Workers' Compensation (WC) Disability Risk Identification Study Cohort (D‐RISC). D‐RISC combined survey results with WC data from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Workers with a State Fund WC claim for back injuries between June 2002 and April 2004 and who received PT services within the first year of injury were eligible. Intensity of PT treatment was measured as the type and amount of PT services within 28 days from the first PT visit. Outcome measures included work disability and self‐reported measures for working for pay, pain intensity, and functional status at 1‐year follow‐up. We conducted linear and logistic regression models to test associations. Results: We identified 662 eligible workers. In adjusted models, although the intensity of PT treatment was not significantly associated with work disability at 1‐year follow‐up, it was associated with lower odds of working for pay, decreased pain intensity, and improved functional status. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there may be small benefits from receiving active PT, manual therapy, and frequent PT treatments within 28 days of initiating PT care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of insect repellents is a key method of controlling their delivery and limiting unnecessary exposure to the wearer. Common topical repellents suffer from short lifetimes resulting in the need to frequently re‐apply to retain effectiveness. Herein, a strategy is employed whereby N,N,‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) is incorporated within electrospun nylon 6/6 nanofibers. Electrospinning from polymer solutions containing up to 50 wt% DEET relative to nylon has no detrimental effect on the fiber morphology and thermal analysis shows the final fibers can contain up to 29 wt% DEET. The effect of varying the concentration of nylon electrospinning solution on the fiber morphology and the retention of DEET is discussed. The rate constant for DEET release is calculated at room temperature and is used to estimate the estimated repellency of the fibers. The lifetime depends on the weight of material and the concentration of DEET, where the active lifetime for a lightweight fabric is estimated to be >200 h. We demonstrate electrospinning as a facile means to incorporate DEET within a polymer matrix and control its evaporation and highlight the possibility for the preparation of fabrics and textiles with long‐lasting, active insect protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous peripheral blood haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) cures 33%–40% of dogs with high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. We hypothesized, based on human allogeneic bone marrow transplantation literature, that transplanting dogs using canine donor leukocyte‐matched CD34+ cells would lead to fewer relapses and increased cure rates. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of dogs diagnosed with high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma who received an identical allogeneic HCT. A total of 15 dogs transplanted at four facilities were identified. Five of fifteen dogs relapsed before transplant. The mean number of donor CD34+ cells/kg harvested and infused into recipient dogs was 8.0 × 106/kg (range: 2.08 × 106/kg–2.9 × 107/kg). The median disease‐free interval and overall survival of all dogs was 1095 days (range: 9–2920 days) and 1115 days (range: 9–2920 days), respectively. Two of five dogs, not in remission at transplant, died in the hospital. The median disease‐free interval and overall survival of the remaining three dogs was 25 days (range: 15–250 days) and 1100 days (range: 66–1902 days), respectively. The median disease‐free interval and overall survival of the 10 dogs who had not relapsed was 1235 days (range: 19–2920 days) and 1235 days (range: 19–2920 days), respectively. One dog died soon after discharge of presumed gastric‐dilatation‐volvulus. Eight of nine remaining dogs lived >4 yrs post‐alloHCT, leading to a cure rate of 89%. Acute graft versus host disease was seen in three dogs. These results suggest that allogeneic HCT can cure ~50% more dogs than those treated with autologous HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]