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The article discusses the book "Believability: Sexual violence, media, and the politics of doubt," which examines the #MeToo movement and the cultural construction of believability in cases of sexual violence. The authors critique the focus on truth and evidence in legal discourses, advocating for a shift towards cultural negotiations over power. The book explores how believability is constructed, commodified, competitive, and conditional, highlighting the unequal distribution of resources based on cultural position and identity. It also addresses the impact of social media on narratives of sexual violence and the role of subjectivity in determining believability. [Extracted from the article]

Environmental temperature shapes the ontogeny of ectotherms by influencing rates of growth and development which can be key determinants of survival. Whereas the escalating impacts of water management on freshwater ecosystems is well documented, the effects of cold‐water releases from dams—which can alter downstream temperatures—remains relatively underexplored but may present novel challenges to endemic ectotherms. Specifically, little is known about how thermal depressions reshape phenotypic and genetic patterns during larval metamorphosis for fishes that evolved in warmwater systems. We assessed the effects of thermal shifts on larval ontogeny of the endangered razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), which evolved in the warm waters of the Colorado River Basin, USA. We hypothesised that development is more sensitive to cold‐water influences than growth and that temperature would influence patterns in gene expression related to development. Our results supported these hypotheses and showed that both wild and laboratory‐reared larvae in slightly cooler temperatures exhibited delayed development, but similar growth compared to larvae reared in warmer conditions. These findings suggest growth and development in early ectotherm life stages can be decoupled, which follows patterns more like the temperature‐size rule than allometric scaling of development by size. We also observed transcriptional differences related to genes associated with stress responses and development in our laboratory‐reared fish; here, gene expression of fish from the coldest conditions at the end of the experiment was more similar to fish reared in warmer temperatures at the midpoint. Our findings suggest that modest temperature reductions can delay ontogeny and alter the transcriptional landscape while not necessarily limiting growth. This finding highlights the need for conservation practitioners to consider cascading impacts that even small temperature reductions can cause in riverine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are secreted by the adrenal glands and increase in response to stressors (e.g., infection). The brain regulates local GC levels via GC synthesis, regeneration and/or metabolism. Little is known about local GC regulation within discrete brain regions at baseline or in response to stress. We treated male and female C57BL/6J mice at postnatal day 5 (PND5) or PND90 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg bw i.p.) or vehicle and collected blood and brain after 4 h. We microdissected the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala. We measured seven steroids, including corticosterone, via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and measured transcripts for key steroidogenic enzymes (Cyp11b1, Hsd11b1, Hsd11b2) via qPCR. At both ages, LPS increased GC levels in blood and all brain regions; however, the increases were much greater at PND90 than at PND5. Interestingly, PND5 corticosterone levels were lower in prefrontal cortex than in blood, but higher in amygdala than in blood. These changes in corticosterone levels align with local changes in steroidogenic enzyme expression, demonstrating robust regional heterogeneity and a possible mechanism for the region‐specific effects of early‐life stress. In contrast, PND90 corticosterone levels were lower in all brain regions than in blood and similar among regions, and steroidogenic enzyme mRNA levels were generally not affected by LPS. Together, these data indicate that local GC levels within discrete brain regions are more heterogeneous at baseline and in response to LPS at PND5 than at PND90, as a result of increased local GC production and metabolism in the neonatal brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vascular endothelium dynamically responds to environmental cues and plays a pivotal role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vasomotor tone, blood cell trafficking, permeability and immune responses. However, endothelial dysfunction results in various pathological conditions. Inflammasomes are large intracellular multimeric complexes activated by pathogens or cellular damage. Inflammasomes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) initiate innate immune responses, which have emerged as significant mediators in endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the pathophysiology of an array of diseases. This review summarizes the mechanisms and ramifications of inflammasomes in ECs and related vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke, and lung and kidney diseases. We also discuss potential drugs targeting EC inflammasomes and their applications in treating vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo variants in the NaV1.2 voltage‐gated sodium channel gene SCN2A are among the major causes of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). Based on their biophysical impact on channel conductance and gating, SCN2A DEE variants can be classified into gain‐of‐function (GoF) or loss‐of‐function (LoF). Clinical and functional data have linked early seizure onset DEE to the GoF SCN2A variants, whereas late seizure onset DEE is associated with the loss of SCN2A function. This study aims to assess the impact of GoF and LoF SCN2A variants on cultured neuronal network activity and explore their modulation by selected antiseizure medications (ASM). To this end, primary cortical cultures were generated from two knock‐in mouse lines carrying variants corresponding to human GoF SCN2A p.R1882Q and LoF p.R853Q DEE variant. In vitro neuronal network activity and responses to ASM were analyzed using multielectrode array (MEA) between 2 and 4 weeks in culture. The SCN2A p.R1882Q neuronal cultures showed significantly greater mean firing and burst firing. Their network synchronicity was also higher. In contrast, the SCN2A p.R853Q cultures showed lower mean firing rate, and burst firing events were less frequent. The network synchronicity was also lower. Phenytoin and levetiracetam reduced the excitability of GoF cultures, while retigabine showed differential and potentially beneficial effects on cultures with both GoF and LoF variants. We conclude that in vitro neuronal networks harboring SCN2A GoF or LoF DEE variants present with distinctive phenotypes and responses to ASM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite long‐standing assumptions that a sense of purpose in life and goal pursuit are mutually supportive, empirical evidence of their reciprocity remains deficient. In the context of a unique out‐of‐school time program that empowers youth to pursue passions through self‐driven learning, we examined whether purpose and one aspect of goal pursuit—perceptions of goal progress—work together to sustain themselves and each other over time. Method: Adolescents (N = 321) completed daily surveys throughout program enrollment (Menrollment = 69.09 days). Through dynamic structural equation modeling, we derived within‐person patterns of day‐to‐day prediction as well as individual differences in these patterns. Results: We found purpose and perceived goal progress exhibited significant daily inertia (i.e., autoregressive prediction) and reciprocity (i.e., cross‐lagged prediction) at the within‐person level. We also found initial evidence suggesting (a) tighter reciprocity was related to greater perceived goal progress overall and (b) people with greater purpose inertia may rely less on making goal progress to sustain momentum. Conclusions: With evidence of daily purpose‐progress reciprocity, the field can look forward to replicating this work in other contexts, diving deeper into interesting patterns of within‐person dynamics, and developing interventions to support youth striving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fall injuries are the second leading cause of traumatic injury and death for all US workers and are a leading injury concern for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Bundled interventions can improve the likelihood of injury reduction, especially in large, heterogeneous working populations. In 2013, the DAF implemented the "Air Force Fall Prevention Focus," a bundled intervention of prevention efforts designed to reduce occupational fall injury events among DAF members. The purpose of this study is to describe the burden and risk factors associated with fall injuries and evaluate the effectiveness of the Fall Prevention Focus in reducing the burden of fall injuries. Methods: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) partnered with the US Air Force Safety Center (AFSEC) to examine the impact of the Fall Prevention Focus as a bundled intervention. Injury events included a narrative description of the injury event, demographics, work environment, job tasks, and other structured details. Descriptive statistics and pre–post longitudinal modeling were used to evaluate changes in fall injury rates. Results: The Fall Prevention Focus Implementation (2013–2018) resulted in an annual 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.5%, 12.2%) reduction, and a 6‐year cumulative 48.3% (95% CI: 41.4%, 54.3%) reduction in fall injury event rates by 2018. Discussion: Safety in the DAF involves a comprehensive approach. Documenting the impact of the Fall Prevention Focus may help translate these findings to improve fall prevention efforts in other sectors of the military and high fall‐risk industries in the private sector, such as construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between basic science epilepsy researchers and clinical epileptologists is a longstanding issue. Efforts to provide opportunities for a dialogue between preclinical and clinical epilepsy professionals are crucial to reduce the knowledge gap between them and improve the translational success of neurobiology‐based research. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Research and Innovation Task Force circulated a survey to investigate the need for an update on new clinical epilepsy concepts within the basic science community. The 336 respondents included basic scientists (BS), preclinical scientists (PCSs), and/or clinical scientists (CSs). The majority of the 237 BSs/PCSs were engaged in preclinical studies in translational epilepsy research and declared translational research as a priority research interest. Fewer respondents from low‐middle‐income countries than from upper‐middle or high‐income countries (40.7% vs 65%) considered translational research a critical aspect of their research. A broad understanding of both clinical and neurobiological aspects of epilepsy was declared by 48% of BSs/PCSs; 96% of CSs declared a superficial knowledge of neurobiology of epilepsy. Most BSs/PCSs were aware that epilepsy is a complex condition that should be investigated with the help of clinical epileptologists, even though concerns were expressed on the relationship with clinicians. A focused training program on emerging clinical epileptological aspects tailored for BSs/PCSs was recommended by 81% of the participants; the majority of respondents preferred either 1‐ or 2‐week in‐presence tutoring or continuous online training coordinated by ILAE at the regional/national level. The survey also underscored the value of educational programs on neurobiology of epilepsy targeting CSs and low‐middle‐income countries (LMIC) investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of durable photosensitizers is pivotal for advancing phototherapeutic applications in biomedicine. Here, we introduce a core‐shell azobenzene‐spiropyran structure on gold nanoparticles, engineered to enhance singlet oxygen generation. These nano‐photosensitizers exhibit increased structural stability and thermal resistance, as demonstrated by slowed O−N−C bond recombination dynamics via in‐situ Raman spectroscopy. Notably, the in‐situ formation of merocyanine and a light‐induced compact shell arrangement extend its half‐life from 47 minutes to over 154 hours, significantly boosting singlet oxygen output. The nano‐photosensitizer also shows high biocompatibility and notably inhibits tau protein aggregation in neural cells, even with phosphatase inhibitors. Further, it promotes dendritic growth in neuro cells, doubling typical lengths. This work not only advances chemical nanotechnology but also sets a foundation for developing long‐lasting phototherapy agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florida, USA is a hotspot of biological invasions with over 500 non‐native species reported. Reptiles encompass most of the non‐native wildlife with over 50 species established, many of which are sympatric and are identified as invasive due to their impacts to the environment, economy, and human health and safety. Reports of new non‐native reptiles occur, and many established non‐native reptiles continue to expand their ranges in Florida, increasing the need for multitaxa detection and monitoring capabilities. Invasive constrictor snakes are a primary focus of management efforts due to life history traits that favor successful establishment and dispersal in Florida as well as their impacts to native wildlife and Everglades restoration efforts. While traditional survey methods that rely on visual detections fail to reliably detect invasive constrictors, environmental DNA (eDNA) has proven to be a promising method for detection of cryptic and rare species across the landscape. To address emerging needs for multispecies detection and monitoring in Florida, we developed the first tetraplex dPCR assay designed for detection of four species of invasive constrictor snakes, including Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus), northern African pythons (P. sebae), boa constrictors (Boa constrictor), and rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria). In this tetraplex assay, no cross‐amplification across species was documented. This assay serves as a valuable tool for faster and more accurate monitoring efforts of these invasive species in South Florida. Additionally, eDNA samples comprised of soil and water both tested positive for Burmese python DNA under controlled and semicontrolled conditions with DNA being detectable up to 2‐weeks post removal in soil samples. Water samples yielded positive detection as quickly as 5 min after exposure to the organism. These data highlight the utility and sensitivity of this protocol for eDNA monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions pose significant threats to ecological and economic stability, with invasive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, ALB) causing substantial damage to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on comprehensive knowledge of the insect's biology and invasion history. This study uses genomics to address these knowledge gaps and inform existing biosurveillance frameworks. We used 2768 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to compare invasive A. glabripennis populations in North America, using genomic variation to trace their sources of invasion and spread patterns, thereby refining our understanding of this species' invasion history. We found that most North American A. glabripennis infestations were distinct, resulting from multiple independent introductions from the native range. Following their introduction, all invasive populations experienced a genetic bottleneck which was followed by a population expansion, with a few also showing secondary spread to satellite infestations. Our study provides a foundation for a genome‐based biosurveillance tool that can be used to clarify the origin of intercepted individuals, allowing regulatory agencies to strengthen biosecurity measures against this invasive beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults with cancer heterogeneously experience health care, treatment, and symptoms. Geriatric assessment (GA) offers a comprehensive evaluation of an older individual's health status and can predict cancer‐related outcomes in individuals with solid tumors and those with hematologic malignancies. In the last decade, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefits of GA and GA management (GAM), which uses GA information to provide tailored intervention strategies to address GA impairments (e.g., implementing physical therapy for impaired physical function). Multiple phase 3 clinical trials in older adults with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies have demonstrated that GAM improves treatment completion, quality of life, communication, and advance care planning while reducing treatment‐related toxicity, falls, and polypharmacy. Nonetheless, implementation and uptake of GAM remain challenging. Various strategies have been proposed, including the use of GA screening tools, to identify patients most likely to benefit from GAM, the systematic engagement of the oncology workforce in the delivery of GAM, and the integration of technologies like telemedicine and mobile health to enhance the availability of GA and GAM interventions. Health inequities in minoritized groups persist, and systematic GA implementation has the potential to capture social determinants of health that are relevant to equitable care. Caregivers play an important role in cancer care and experience burden themselves. GA can guide dyadic supportive care interventions, ultimately helping both patients and caregivers achieve optimal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) is a keystone species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, with ecological and commercial significance. However, its vulnerability to climate change requires an urgent investigation of its adaptive potential to future environmental conditions. Historical museum collections of krill from the early 20th century represent an ideal opportunity to investigate how krill have changed over time due to predation, fishing and climate change. However, there is currently no cost‐effective method for implementing population scale collection genomics for krill given its genome size (48 Gbp). Here, we assessed the utility of two inexpensive methods for population genetics using historical krill samples, specifically low‐coverage shotgun sequencing (i.e. 'genome‐skimming') and exome capture. Two full‐length transcriptomes were generated and used to identify 166 putative gene targets for exome capture bait design. A total of 20 historical krill samples were sequenced using shotgun and exome capture. Mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal sequences were assembled from both low‐coverage shotgun and off‐target of exome capture data demonstrating that endogenous DNA sequences could be assembled from historical collections. Although, mitochondrial and ribosomal sequences are variable across individuals from different populations, phylogenetic analysis does not identify any population structure. We find exome capture provides approximately 4500‐fold enrichment of sequencing targeted genes, suggesting this approach can generate the sequencing depth required to call identify a significant number of variants. Unlocking historical collections for genomic analyses using exome capture, will provide valuable insights into past and present biodiversity, resilience and adaptability of krill populations to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential for maintaining physiological functions and metabolic homeostasis. However, chronic elevation of BCAAs causes metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver are the three major metabolic tissues not only responsible for controlling glucose, lipid, and energy balance but also for maintaining BCAA homeostasis. Under obese and diabetic conditions, different pathogenic factors like pro‐inflammatory cytokines, lipotoxicity, and reduction of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors γ (PPARγ) disrupt BCAA metabolism, leading to excessive accumulation of BCAAs and their downstream metabolites in metabolic tissues and circulation. Mechanistically, BCAAs and/or their downstream metabolites, such as branched‐chain ketoacids (BCKAs) and 3‐hydroxyisobutyrate (3‐HIB), impair insulin signaling, inhibit adipogenesis, induce inflammatory responses, and cause lipotoxicity in the metabolic tissues, resulting in multiple metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on the metabolic regulation of BCAA homeostasis by the three major metabolic tissues—adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver—and how dysregulated BCAA metabolism affects glucose, lipid, and energy balance in these active metabolic tissues. We also summarize therapeutic approaches to restore normal BCAA metabolism as a treatment for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their role as innate sentinels, macrophages can serve as cellular reservoirs of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a highly-pathogenic arthropod-borne alphavirus that has caused large outbreaks among human populations. Here, with the use of viral chimeras and evolutionary selection analysis, we define CHIKV glycoproteins E1 and E2 as critical for virion production in THP-1 derived human macrophages. Through proteomic analysis and functional validation, we further identify signal peptidase complex subunit 3 (SPCS3) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit K (eIF3k) as E1-binding host proteins with anti-CHIKV activities. We find that E1 residue V220, which has undergone positive selection, is indispensable for CHIKV production in macrophages, as its mutation attenuates E1 interaction with the host restriction factors SPCS3 and eIF3k. Finally, we show that the antiviral activity of eIF3k is translation-independent, and that CHIKV infection promotes eIF3k translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it associates with SPCS3. These functions of CHIKV glycoproteins late in the viral life cycle provide a new example of an intracellular evolutionary arms race with host restriction factors, as well as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Synopsis: Macrophages are important cellular reservoirs of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), but the viral and host determinants that facilitate infection of these cells by CHIKV are unclear. This work characterizes roles of two CHIKV glycoproteins beyond viral entry, and highlights their evolutionary arms race with specific antiviral factors of macrophages. CHIKV glycoproteins E1 and E2 are required for efficient viral propagation in macrophages. The CHIKV E1 site V220 is under positive evolutionary selection and indispensable for virion production in macrophages. Signal peptidase complex subunit 3 (SPCS3) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit K (eIF3k) constitute anti-CHIKV factors interacting with E1 at E1-V220. An E1 pool with distinct subcellular localization from E2 colocalizes with host factors SPCS3 and eIF3k. eIF3k inhibits CHIKV in a translation-independent manner via its HAM domain. The rate of chikungunya virus propagation is determined through the evolutionary arms race between viral glycoproteins and macrophage factors SPCS3 and eIF3k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between RUO types and mental health in a youth sample in Hong Kong. Background: Previous research has found that Resilient, Undercontrolled, and Overcontrolled (RUO) personality types derived from Big Five personality traits are associated with mental health outcomes. Most studies, however, have predominantly been conducted in Western societies. Method: Clinical diagnostic interviews and self‐rated measures of psychological constructs, covering resilience, rumination, self‐esteem and more, were administered to 860 youths aged 15 to 24 recruited from an ongoing epidemiological youth mental health study in Hong Kong. Results: Three personality clusters were identified. The first (mean age = 19.6, 63.3% female) and second (mean age = 19.5, 60.7% female) cluster both have characteristics of the under‐ and overcontrolled personalities. The third personality type resembled the resilient profile in RUO typology (mean age = 19.6, 50.5% female) and showed the lowest prevalence of poor mental health. Conclusions: The results suggest that the replicability of the RUO profiles was only partial in a Hong Kong sample predominantly Chinese. The resilient profile was replicated but not the undercontrolled and overcontrolled profiles proposed by previous studies. The findings of the current study implicated that culturally contextual considerations are necessary when relating mental health to personality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal additive manufacturing technologies provide new opportunities for manufacturing complex components. However, the limited data on fracture behavior are delaying adoption in safe‐critical applications. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of orientation and the intra‐build design parameters on EBM Ti6Al4V fracture toughness using a design of experiments. Three builds comprised of over 150 compact tension samples were printed representative of the EBM build chamber, followed by microstructural characterization, X‐ray microcomputed tomography, and fracture toughness testing per ASTM E399. The average fracture toughness was 65 MPa√m, with anisotropy as the largest source of variation due to crack growth behavior with respect to the build direction. Microstructure coarsening was observed with increase in height, resulting in an increase in fracture toughness, irrespective of sample geometry or orientation. Build orientation and sample location influenced the microstructure and fracture toughness and should be considered when adopting EBM components in load‐bearing applications. Highlights: The effect of intra‐build parameters on EBM Ti6Al4V fracture toughness is investigated.The fracture toughness reported 10% variation, comparable to cast and wrought alloys.Response surface methodology helped identify factors effecting fracture toughness.Anisotropy was the biggest source of variation, affected by build orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many gifted students fail to be diagnosed, preventing them from receiving an education that is adapted to their characteristics, with activities that challenge their minds. Mathematics is one of the subjects in which they can demonstrate talent, where they often exhibit high skills in solving problems, handling numbers and performing spatial representations. One of the contexts in which these characteristics can be addressed is the resolution of non‐routine problems. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory, observational and descriptive case study was to present a battery of challenging activities to a 10‐year‐old gifted student and identify the strategies he uses when solving non‐routine problems, with Pólya's method being used to guide him to reach one or more solutions. The results show that the activities proposed were challenging for the student, who used four strategies when solving the non‐routine problems, with partial goals being the most widely used in problems of visual discrimination, and the use of patterns being the most frequently leveraged in numerical skills problems. This study provides teachers with resources that foster motivation among talented students and address their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our prospective study investigates the 3‐year trajectory of disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) using the PEmb‐QoL questionnaire, functional performance via 6‐min walk tests, and the 5‐year survival following acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and explores their association with patient demographics and clinical characteristics. We highlight that PE‐specific QoL improves over time despite no significant changes in cardiopulmonary performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers play a distinctive role in serving all communities, especially immigrants. Heightened immigrant stress and deteriorating well‐being have been reported amid recent anti‐immigrant socio‐political climate. Given the unique challenges of immigrants, they have distinct needs. In our study, we utilize data from a larger study including a sample of first‐ and second‐generation immigrants, to understand "How can social workers support immigrant communities?" In total, N = 265 participants responded to this prompt. We employed a content analysis approach to analyze participant responses. Our analysis yielded four main themes: (1) Resources for immigrants, (2) Doing right by immigrants, (3) Advocacy, and (4) Understanding immigrants. Our findings are timely in highlighting the diverse perspectives about immigrant needs in the current socio‐political climate. Study findings have implications for social workers as well as service providers/agencies that engage with immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Although Spinal Anesthesia (SA) remains the technique of choice for many surgeries below the umbilicus, it is associated with multiple intraoperative complications. Sympathetic blockade and Bezold‐Jarisch reflex do not fully explain SA‐related cardiopulmonary complications. Reduction in FEV1 has been reported as a predictor of sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to determine the association between reduction in FEV1 following SA and adverse intraoperative cardiopulmonary complications. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 48 patients of ASA status I and II with no history of primary cardiopulmonary disease scheduled for elective surgery under SA. Spirometry was performed based on ATS/ERS guidelines before induction and 30 min after induction of SA. FEV1% predicted was determined using GLI 2012 equations. Participants were grouped into two (∆FEV1% < 10% and ∆FEV1% ≥ 10%) based on reductions (∆) in FEV1% predicted following SA. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between ∆FEV1% and intraoperative hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea/vomiting, with adjustments for age, gender, and BMI. Results: The mean FEV1% predicted following SA was lower than the mean FEV1% predicted before SA (83.42 vs. 95.31, p = 0.001). In a fully adjusted model, ∆FEV1% ≥ 10% was associated with an increased risk of hypoxia [AOR 13.55; 95% CI, 1.07–171.24, p = 0.044]. The positive associations between ∆FEV1% ≥ 10% and hypotension [2.02 (0.33–12.46), 0.449], bradycardia [1.10 (0.28–4.25), 0.895] and nausea/vomiting [9.74 (0.52–183.94), 0.129] were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Reduction in FEV1% predicted following SA was associated with adverse intraoperative outcomes. FEV1 may play an important role in the association between SA and cardiopulmonary complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derailment is the sense of being "off‐course" in life. But what could this mean for adolescents, who are often establishing identity and self‐direction for the first time? We examined the structure and correlates of the Derailment Scale and its short form, the Derailment Scale‐6 (DS‐6), among middle‐to‐late adolescents (N = 452). Both scales exhibited unidimensionality, but the DS‐6 demonstrated superior fit and correlated with cross‐sectional distress markers (e.g., greater depression, lower life satisfaction, strained sense of purpose). Breaking from adult‐based research, we failed to find evidence that derailment related to adolescent identity exploration and commitment. In extending assessment of derailment to adolescence, this study invites exploration of this experience during a time characterized by substantial transition and the emergence of stable self‐views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US dual language bilingual education (DLBE) programs have a goal to develop students' sociocultural competence, but little is known about how preservice teachers (PSTs) do this. This descriptive study involved quantitative and qualitative analysis of 82 videos of instruction and 76 lesson plans from nine Latinx PSTs placed in Spanish DLBE classrooms across 3 years. PSTs focused more on students' interests or background knowledge than specific family/community and/or cultural practices. Few lessons incorporated culturally relevant/sustaining literature. Findings help teacher educators consider contextual constraints in teacher preparation and ways to better support PSTs in recognizing and developing students' sociocultural competence. The Challenge: Developing students' sociocultural competence is a foundation of dual language bilingual education (DLBE), yet it is an underresearched topic. How do DLBE preservice teachers (PSTs) incorporate their students' cultural backgrounds and family and community knowledge in their teaching? How do DLBE PSTs develop students' sociocultural competence? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of synthetic selective membranes that separate materials of similar sizes, charges, and/or polarities remains a difficult challenge, and looking towards biology provides inspiration for new designs. In this work, a series of cholera toxin binding peptides (CTBPs) are identified, spanning a range of binding inhibitions, and integrated into chemically cross‐linked cholera toxin binding gels (CTBGs) via thiol‐Michael polycondensation reactions. All gels demonstrate rheological profiles consistent with elastic solids. The CTBGs are probed via small‐angle neutron scattering and exhibit a correlation length, ξ, smaller than most proteins (1.3–2.5 nm). Thus, an effective entropic mesh is formed to block non‐targeted proteins. However, the CTBGs have a dynamic mesh size, Ξ, that is larger than cholera toxin (CT) to allow the transport of target proteins. The CTBGs with the highest binding inhibitions both show high selectivity and permeation of CT, rejecting all other tested proteins. In total, two new highly selective CTBGs are synthesized and validated for use in cholera toxin remediation. Together, this platform demonstrates the wide applicability of selectively‐diffusive materials for difficult separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and accurate digital image correlation computed displacement data requires sufficient noise suppression and spatial resolution, which improve and diminish, respectively, with increased subset size. Furthermore, spatially varying speckle pattern quality and displacement field complexity ideally necessitate a location‐specific optimal subset size to obtain a favourable compromise between noise suppression and spatial resolution. Although dynamic subset selection (DSS) methods have been proposed based on speckle pattern quality metrics (SPQMs), they do not ensure such a favourable compromise. This work investigates using an artificial neural network (ANN) for DSS. An ANN is trained to predict the displacement error standard deviation of a subset from multiple SPQMs and the standard deviation of image noise, such that the smallest subset offering sufficient noise suppression, dictated by a displacement error standard deviation threshold, is appointed. Validation, both within and outside the domain of the training images, shows that the smallest subset providing sufficient noise suppression offers a favourable compromise for up to moderate displacement gradients. Additionally, the proposed method is shown to perform with greater consistency and reliability relative to existing SPQM‐based DSS methods. The novel proposition lies in utilising an ANN as an error prediction tool, based on multiple SPQMs, and hence, is an attractive alternative for DSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive Southeast Asian planthopper that was recently introduced into the eastern United States and spreads along human transportation corridors by 'hitch‐hiking' on vehicles and cargo.To better understand the risk of establishment when mobile life stages are moved, it is critical to know how long spotted lanternfly mobile life stages will survive without food and water under different temperatures.This work reports on spotted lanternfly first, second, and third instar nymphal and adult survival without food over the 10–30°C temperature range. Survival time without food declined exponentially as temperature increased for all life stages of spotted lanternfly that were evaluated.At temperatures <30°C, first instar nymphs survived longer than second or third instar individuals. Female adults survived about 1 day longer than male adults at all but 10 and 25°C.Without food, 99% of all adults of both sexes are predicted to be dead in less than a week over the temperature range evaluated. First instars, which were the smallest, survived the longest and their survival exponentially decreased as temperature increased.This suggests that more attention to first instar movement may be warranted. The data presented here will provide a basis for assessing the risk of survival of transported spotted lanternfly active life stages along various pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regional analgesia is a common and effective form of in‐labour analgesia. However, there are concerns whether it is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Aims: To examine the association between regional analgesia and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective population‐based cohort study of singleton term births in Victoria, Australia, between 2014 and 2020. Women who received regional analgesia were compared with women who did not. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used. Results: There were 107 013 women who received regional analgesia and 214 416 women who did not. Compared to women who did not receive regional analgesia, regional analgesia was associated with an increased risk of instrumental birth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.59, 95% CI: 3.52–3.67), caesarean section (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 2.24–2.35), longer duration of the second stage of labour (β coefficient = 26.6 min, 95% CI: 26.3–27.0), Apgar score below seven at five minutes (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39), need for neonatal resuscitation (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.40–1.48), need for formula in hospital (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.65–1.72), and the last feed before discharge not exclusively from the breast (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.56–1.62). Conclusion: Regional analgesia use in labour was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings may add to the risk–benefit discussion regarding regional analgesia for pain relief and highlight the importance of shared decision‐making. Further large prospective studies and randomised controlled trials will be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased monocytic HLA‐DR expression is the most studied biomarker of immune competency in critically ill and autoimmune disease patients. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. One probable HLA‐DR dysregulation is through microRNAs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of specific microRNAs on HLA‐DR expression in human monocytic cells. Four up‐ and four down‐HLA‐DR‐regulating microRNAs were identified, with hsa‐miR‐let‐7f‐2‐3p showing the most significant upregulation and hsa‐miR‐567 and hsa‐miR‐3972 downregulation. Anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid medication Dexamethasone‐decreased HLA‐DR was significantly restored by hsa‐miR‐let‐7f‐2‐3p and hsa‐miR‐5693. Contrarily, proinflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α‐increased HLA‐DR were significantly reversed by hsa‐miR‐567. Clinically, paired plasma samples from patients before and one day after cardiac surgery revealed up‐regulated expression of hsa‐miR‐5693, hsa‐miR‐567, and hsa‐miR‐3972, following the major surgical trauma. In silico approaches were applied for functional microRNA‐mRNA interaction prediction and candidate target genes were confirmed by qPCR analysis. In conclusion, novel monocytic HLA‐DR microRNA modulators were identified and validated in vitro. Moreover, both the interaction between the microRNAs and anti‐ and proinflammatory molecules and the up‐regulated microRNAs identified in cardiac surgery highlight the potential clinical relevance of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To better understand what knowledge translation activities are effective and meaningful to Indigenous communities and what is required to advance knowledge translation in health research with, for, and by Indigenous communities. Study design: Workshop and collaborative yarning. Setting: Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health Conference, Cairns, June 2023. Participants: About 70 conference delegates, predominantly Indigenous people involved in research and Indigenous health researchers who shared their knowledge, experiences, and recommendations for knowledge translation through yarning and knowledge sharing. Results: Four key themes were developed using thematic analysis: knowledge translation is fundamental to research and upholding community rights; knowledge translation approaches must be relevant to local community needs and ways of mobilising knowledge; researchers and research institutions must be accountable for ensuring knowledge translation is embedded, respected and implemented in ways that address community priorities; and knowledge translation must be planned and evaluated in ways that reflect Indigenous community measures of success. Conclusion: Knowledge translation is fundamental to making research matter, and critical to ethical research. It must be embedded in all stages of research practice. Effective knowledge translation approaches are Indigenous‐led and move beyond Euro‐Western academic metrics. Institutions, funding bodies, and academics should embed structures required to uphold Indigenous knowledge translation. We join calls for reimaging health and medical research to embed Indigenous knowledge translation as a prerequisite for generative knowledge production that makes research matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caregivers supporting adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) report concerns regarding living arrangements and services for their adult children with FASD. Best practices for living support for adults with FASD are under‐researched, and few studies have explored the experiences of caregivers whose children are adults. This study examined the perspectives of caregivers who support adults (18+) with FASD regarding: (1) current ways adults with FASD are supported with daily life activities; and (2) ideal future living arrangements and supports. Methods: This article presents findings from the perspective of caregivers who support adults with FASD, as part of a broader project involving both adults with FASD and caregivers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 Canadian caregivers who live at home with an adult with FASD (aged 18+). Responses were examined using framework analysis, a structured approach to analyzing qualitative data. Results: Caregivers described their experiences and perspectives regarding: (1) current ways adults with FASD are supported in their daily activities; (2) strategies for successful support; (3) ideal future living arrangements and supports; and (4) concerns for the future. Notably, almost every participant raised pressing concerns regarding the future living arrangements for the person they support once they are no longer able to provide care. Conclusions: This study explores caregivers' perspectives regarding living support needed by adults with FASD, which can inform support programs and housing services. Findings demonstrate an urgent need for policy change directed toward developing available, affordable, and appropriate housing for adults with FASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can thrive with lifelong support in daily living activities. Previous research examining living support for adults with FASD has heavily relied on caregiver reports rather than lived experiences, which can undermine opportunities for self‐determination. In this study, we examined the perspectives of adults with FASD to better understand: (1) the ways in which they are supported with daily life activities; and (2) their ideal future living arrangements and supports. Methods: This article presents findings from the perspective of adults with FASD as part of a broader project involving both adults with FASD and the caregivers who support them. Interviews were conducted with four Canadian adults with FASD who live in housing with supportive services and seven adults with FASD who live at home with the support of caregivers. Framework analyses, a structured approach to analyzing qualitative data, were used to examine participants' perspectives. Results: In addition to providing support for previous findings, participants provided novel information regarding: (1) their daily living supports; (2) positive and negative aspects of their arrangements; and (3) ideal living environments and supports. Conclusions: This study offers insight into participants' perspectives regarding their living support, which is critical to inform housing and aid in self‐determination. Areas of support outlined by participants can be used to begin conversations regarding the support required in housing arrangements for adults with FASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen jurisdictions in the United States prohibit payday lending through stringent usury laws or well‐established nonprofitable 36% interest rate caps. Yet over one in 10 consumers residing in these jurisdictions borrowed payday loans in the past 5 years. This raises questions about actual policy implementation and enforcement. We employ data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study to investigate if associations between payday lending prohibitions and payday borrowing differ by degree of enforcement. We find that nuances in degree of enforcement among restrictive states are not associated with payday borrowing likelihoods. However, these nuances appear when examining payday borrowing frequency, particularly when controlling for consumers' financial circumstances and when conditioning on alternative financial services consumers. We consistently note the highest borrowing behaviors for states sans regulation. Policymakers may consider strengthening enforcement in cases where the primary goal is preventing or reducing payday borrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer health disparities are widespread. Nevertheless, the disparities in outcomes among diverse survivors of cancer ages 65 years and older ("older") have not been systematically evaluated. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of original research articles published between January 2016 and September 2023 and indexed in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. We included studies evaluating racial, ethnic, socioeconomic disadvantaged, geographic, sexual and gender, and/or persons with disabilities disparities in treatment, survivorship, and mortality among older survivors of cancer. We excluded studies with no a priori aims related to a health disparity, review articles, conference proceedings, meeting abstracts, studies with unclear methodologies, and articles in which the disparity group was examined only as an analytic covariate. Two reviewers independently extracted data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis reporting guidelines. Results: After searching and removing duplicates, 2573 unique citations remained and after screening 59 articles met the inclusion criteria. Many investigated more than one health disparity, and most focused on racial and ethnic (n = 44) or socioeconomic (n = 25) disparities; only 10 studies described geographic disparities, and none evaluated disparities in persons with disabilities or due to sexual and gender identity. Research investigating disparities in outcomes among diverse older survivors of cancer is increasing gradually—68% of eligible articles were published between 2020 and 2023. Most studies focused on the treatment phase of care (n = 28) and mortality (n = 26), with 16 examined disparities in survivorship, symptoms, or quality of life. Most research was descriptive and lacked analyses of potential underlying mechanisms contributing to the reported disparities. Conclusion: Little research has evaluated the effect of strategies to reduce health disparities among older patients with cancer. This lack of evidence perpetuates cancer inequities and leaves the cancer care system ill equipped to address the unique needs of the rapidly growing and increasingly diverse older adult cancer population. See related editorial by Rhodes et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valid assessment of vocabulary development in dual‐language‐learning infants is critical to developmental science. We developed the Dual Language Learners English‐Spanish (DLL‐ES) Inventories to measure vocabularies of U.S. English‐Spanish DLLs. The inventories provide translation equivalents for all Spanish and English items on Communicative Development Inventory (CDI) short forms; extended inventories based on CDI long forms; and Spanish language‐variety options. Item‐Response Theory analyses applied to Wordbank and Web‐CDI data (n = 2603, 12–18 months; n = 6722, 16–36 months; half female; 1% Asian, 3% Black, 2% Hispanic, 30% White, 64% unknown) showed near‐perfect associations between DLL‐ES and CDI long‐form scores. Interviews with 10 Hispanic mothers of 18‐ to 24‐month‐olds (2 White, 1 Black, 7 multi‐racial; 6 female) provide a proof of concept for the value of the DLL‐ES for assessing the vocabularies of DLLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe medical condition with a number of treatment options, the majority of which are introduced without consideration of the underlying mechanisms driving it within an individual and thus a lack of tailored approach to treatment. The one exception is a patient presenting with apparent pulmonary arterial hypertension and shown to have vaso‐responsive disease, whose clinical course and prognosis is significantly improved by high dose calcium channel blockers. PH is however characterized by a relative abundance of available data from patient cohorts, ranging from molecular data characterizing gene and protein expression in different tissues to physiological data at the organ level and clinical information. Integrating available data with mechanistic information at the different scales into computational models suggests an approach to a more personalized treatment of the disease using model‐based optimization of interventions for individual patients. That is, constructing digital twins of the disease, customized to a patient, promises to be a key technology for personalized medicine, with the aim of optimizing use of existing treatments and developing novel interventions, such as new drugs. This article presents a perspective on this approach in the context of a review of existing computational models for different aspects of the disease, and it lays out a roadmap for a path to realizing it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a revolutionary tool for the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal disorders. Nevertheless, its diagnostic capability is reduced in certain disorders such as lymphoproliferative diseases. EBUS-guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBMC) is a novel technique that can provide larger samples with preserved tissue architecture, with an acceptable safety profile. In this case report, we present a middle-aged gentleman with a huge anterior mediastinal mass and bilateral mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. He underwent EBUS-TBNA with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) followed by EBUS-TBMC, all under general anaesthesia. Histopathological analysis showed discordance between EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-TBMC in which only TBMC samples provided adequate tissue to attain a diagnosis of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. This case report reinforced the diagnostic role of EBUS-TBMC in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorn beetle, ALB) and Anoplophora chinensis (Citrus longhorn beetle, CLB) are native forest pests in China; they have become important international quarantine pests. They are found using the same Salix aureo‐pendula host tree of Cixi, Zhejiang province, China. On this host tree, we collected additional beetles that appeared to be morphologically intermediate between ALB and CLB. By using a stereoscope, we observed that there were several bumps on the base of the elytra, which was inconsistent with ALB, which typically has a smooth elytral base, but was more like CLB, which has numerous short tubercles on the elytral base. Given their sympatry and intermediate morphology, we hypothesized that these may represent ALB × CLB hybrids. We studied the genomic profiles for 46 samples (ALB, CLB, and putative hybrids) using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) providing a reduced representation of the entire genome. Employing principal component analyses on the 163 GBS‐derived single nucleotide polymorphism data, we found putative hybrids tightly clustered with ALB, but genetically distinct from the CLB individuals. Therefore, our initial hybrid hypothesis was not supported by genomic data. Further, while mating experiments between adult ALB and CLB were successful in 4 separate years (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021), and oviposition behavior was observed, no progeny was produced. Having employed population genomic analysis and biological hybridization experiments, we conclude that the putative hybrids represent newly discovered morphological variants within ALB. Our approach further confirmed the advantage of genome‐wide information for Anoplophora species assignment in certain ambiguous classification cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Allergy, discusses the role of a specialized pro-resolving mediator called Resolvin D2 (RvD2) in regulating type 2 inflammatory responses and promoting the resolution of allergic inflammation in mice. The study found that RvD2 decreased airway inflammation, eosinophil accumulation, and bronchial epithelial mucous cell metaplasia in mice with allergic inflammation. RvD2 also reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. The findings suggest that RvD2 may have potential therapeutic benefits for treating asthma and other allergic diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (aGLP‐1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of equine insulin dysregulation (ID), but its role is unclear. Cleavage of proglucagon (coded by the GCG gene) produces aGLP‐1 in enteral L cells. Objectives: The aim in vivo was to examine the sequence of the exons of GCG in horses with and without ID, where aGLP‐1 was higher in the group with ID. The aims in vitro were to identify and quantify the expression of GCG in the equine intestine (as a marker of L cells) and determine intestinal secretion of aGLP‐1. Study design: Genomic studies were case–control studies. Expression and secretion studies in vitro were cross‐sectional. Methods: The GCG gene sequence of the exons was determined using a hybridisation capture protocol. Expression and quantification of GCG in samples of stomach duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and ascending and descending colon was achieved with droplet digital PCR. For secretory studies tissue explants were incubated with 12 mM glucose and aGLP‐1 secretion was measured with an ELISA. Results: Although the median [IQR] post‐prandial aGLP‐1 concentrations were higher (p = 0.03) in animals with ID (10.2 [8.79–15.5]), compared with healthy animals (8.47 [6.12–11.7]), there was 100% pairwise identity of the exons of the GCG sequence for the cohort. The mRNA concentrations of GCG and secretion of aGLP‐1 differed (p < 0.001) throughout the intestine. Main limitations: Only the exons of the GCG gene were sequenced and breeds were not compared. The horses used for the study in vitro were not assessed for ID and different horses were used for the small, and large, intestinal studies. Conclusions: Differences in post‐prandial aGLP‐1 concentration were not due to a variant in the exons of the GCG gene sequence in this cohort. Both the large and small intestine are sites of GLP‐1 secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal peptides, such as glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2), could play a direct role in the development of equine hyperinsulinaemia. Objectives: To describe the secretory pattern of endogenous GLP‐2 over 24 h in healthy ponies and determine whether oral administration of a synthetic GLP‐2 peptide increases blood glucose or insulin responses to feeding. Study Design: A cohort study followed by a randomised, controlled, cross‐over study. Methods: In the cohort study, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h in seven healthy ponies and plasma [GLP‐2] was measured. In the cross‐over study, 75 μg/kg bodyweight of synthetic GLP‐2, or carrier only, was orally administered to 10 ponies twice daily for 10 days. The area under the curve (AUC0–3h) of post‐prandial blood glucose and insulin were determined before and after each treatment. Results: Endogenous [GLP‐2] ranged from <0.55 to 1.95 ± 0.29 [CI 0.27] ng/mL with similar peak concentrations in response to meals containing 88–180 g of non‐structural carbohydrate, that were ~4‐fold higher (P < 0.001) than the overnight nadir. After GLP‐2 treatment peak plasma [GLP‐2] increased from 1.1 [0.63–1.37] ng/mL to 1.54 [1.1–2.31] ng/mL (28.6%; P = 0.002), and AUC0–3h was larger (P = 0.01) than before treatment. The peptide decreased (7%; P = 0.003) peak blood glucose responses to feeding from 5.33 ± 0.45 mmol/L to 5.0 ± 0.21 mmol/L, but not AUC0–3h (P = 0.07). There was no effect on insulin secretion. Main Limitations: The study only included healthy ponies and administration of a single dose of GLP‐2. Conclusions: The diurnal pattern of GLP‐2 secretion in ponies was similar to other species with no apparent effect of daylight. Although GLP‐2 treatment did not increase post‐prandial glucose or insulin responses to eating, studies using alternative dosing strategies for GLP‐2 are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon Basin, which plays a critical role in the carbon and water cycle, is under stress due to changes in climate, agricultural practices, and deforestation. The effects of thermodynamic and microphysical forcing on the strength of thunderstorms in the Basin (75–45°W, 0–15°S) were examined during the pre‐monsoon season (mid‐August through mid‐December), a period with large variations in aerosols, intense convective storms, and plentiful flashes. The analysis used measurements of radar reflectivity, ice water content (IWC), and aerosol type from instruments aboard the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites, flash rates from the ground‐based Sferics Timing and Ranging Network, and total aerosol optical depth (AOD) from a surface network and a meteorological re‐analysis. After controlling for convective available potential energy (CAPE), it was found that thunderstorms that developed under dirty (high‐AOD) conditions were 1.5 km deeper, had 50% more IWC, and more than two times as many flashes as storms that developed under clean conditions. The sensitivity of flashes to AOD was largest for low values of CAPE where increases of more than a factor of three were observed. The additional ice water indicated that these deeper systems had higher vertical velocities and more condensation nuclei capable of sustaining higher concentrations of water and large hydrometeors in the upper troposphere. Flash rates were also found to be larger during periods when smoke rather than dust was common in the lower troposphere, likely because smoky periods were less stable due to higher values of CAPE and AOD and lower values of mid‐tropospheric relative humidity. Plain Language Summary: The Amazon Basin, which plays an important role in the carbon and water cycle, is under stress due to changes in climate, agricultural practices, and deforestation. The Basin includes a rainforest in the northwest and a mix of deforested areas, savannah‐type vegetation, and agriculture in the southeast. The effects of instability and aerosol loading on thunderstorms in the Basin (75–45°W, 0–15°S) were examined during mid‐August through mid‐December, a period with large variations in aerosols, intense convective storms, and plentiful flashes. The analysis used measurements of radar reflectivity, ice water content (IWC), and aerosol type from instruments aboard the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites, flash rates from the ground‐based Sferics Timing and Ranging Network, and AOD from a surface network and a meteorological re‐analysis. After controlling for convective available potential energy, a measure of instability, it was found that thunderstorms that developed under dirty (high‐AOD) conditions were approximately 1.5 km deeper, had 50% more IWC, and more than two times as many flashes as storms that developed under clean (low‐AOD) conditions. Flash rates were also found to be larger during periods when smoke rather than dust was common in the lower troposphere, likely because these periods were less stable. Key Points: After controlling for convective available potential energy (CAPE), thunderstorms developing in dirty environments are 1.5 km deeper than storms developing in clean environmentsControlling for CAPE, upper tropospheric ice water content is 50% greater for storms developing in dirty conditions versus clean conditionsAfter controlling for CAPE, flash rates are a factor of two or more greater for storms developing in dirty conditions versus clean conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with asthma and obesity are more likely to have lower vitamin D levels, but the optimal replacement dose is unknown in this population. The objective of this study is identifying a vitamin D dose in children with obesity‐related asthma that safely achieves serum vitamin D levels of ≥ 40 ng/mL. This prospective multisite randomized controlled trial recruited children/adolescents with asthma and body mass index ≥ 85% for age/sex. Part 1 (dose finding), evaluated 4 oral vitamin D regimens for 16 weeks to identify a replacement dose that achieved serum vitamin D levels ≥ 40 ng/mL. Part 2 compared the replacement dose calculated from part 1 (50,000 IU loading dose with 8,000 IU daily) to standard of care (SOC) for 16 weeks to identify the proportion of children achieving target serum 25(OH)D level. Part 1 included 48 randomized participants. Part 2 included 64 participants. In Part 1, no SOC participants achieved target serum level, but 50–72.7% of participants in cohorts A‐C achieved the target serum level. In part 2, 78.6% of replacement dose participants achieved target serum level compared with none in the SOC arm. No related serious adverse events were reported. This trial confirmed a 50,000 IU loading dose plus 8,000 IU daily oral vitamin D as safe and effective in increasing serum 25(OH)D levels in children/adolescents with overweight/obesity to levels ≥ 40 ng/mL. Given the critical role of vitamin D in many conditions complicating childhood obesity, these data close a critical gap in our understanding of vitamin D dosing in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social determinants of health (SDH) influence health and social outcomes in positive and negative ways. Understanding the impact of SDH on children with cerebral palsy (CP) is essential to improve health equity, optimize health outcomes, and support children with CP and their families to thrive in society. In this narrative review, we summarize the landscape of SDH impacting children with CP and their families worldwide. In high‐income countries, children from poorer neighbourhoods are more likely to have severe comorbidities, present with spastic bilateral CP, and report lower frequency of participation in community activities. In low‐ and middle‐income countries, socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with increased risk of malnutrition, living in poorer housing conditions, not having access to proper sanitation, and living below the poverty line. Low maternal education is associated with increased likelihood of the child with CP experiencing increased severity of gross motor and bimanual functioning challenges, and poorer academic performance. Lower parental education is also associated with reduced child autonomy. On the other hand, higher parental income is a protective factor, associated with greater diversity of participation in day‐to‐day activities. A better physical environment and better social support are associated with higher participation in daily activities. Clinicians, researchers, and the community should be aware of these key challenges and opportunities. Then adopt a range of approaches that target adverse SDH/social needs and foster positive SDH in the clinical setting. What this paper adds: Understanding how social determinants of health influence health and social outcomes is a critical step towards improving health equity and outcomes.Approaches are required that target the impact of adverse SDH on access to health care for children with cerebral palsy and that work towards ensuring equity of access for all. What this paper adds: Understanding how social determinants of health influence health and social outcomes is a critical step towards improving health equity and outcomes.Approaches are required that target the impact of adverse SDH on access to health care for children with cerebral palsy and that work towards ensuring equity of access for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present XStorm, a gamma ray spectrometer developed to detect gamma ray glows and terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) in close proximity. Measurements are mostly planned to take place on balloon campaigns but also on the ground using bigger detectors. The main aim in developing XStorm is to perform new in situ and close proximity measurements of those events to improve the understanding of the physical processes involved. For that, we ensured XStorm reached performances adapted to glow and TGF detections. It detects photons with energy between ∼400 keV and ∼20 MeV. Detected particles are timetagged with a 600 ns precision with respect to UTC. Using two types of scintillator, Bismuth Germanium Oxide and EJ‐276 plastic associated with SiPMs, the instrument is able to discriminate three types of particles involved in those events: photons, neutrons, and electrons. The behavior of the detector under high particle fluxes has been quantified through ground testing using a pulse generator. A triggered detection system has been developed, with different thresholds depending on the target of study. First measurements have been carried out with test flights in fair weather conditions and are presented here. Estimations of the configurations in which a gamma ray glow can be detected by XStorm and of the number of TGFs that could be detected in specific campaigns are also addressed. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) are bursts of high‐energy photons generated in thunderstorms in less than 100 μs, whereas gamma ray glows are enhancement of the high‐energy radiation background in thunderstorms, lasting from seconds to minutes. We present a gamma ray spectrometer, XStorm, designed to detect terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) and gamma ray glows in close proximity. It is composed of two scintillators of different kinds to allow the detection of TGF and gamma ray glow photons (energies between 400 keV and 20 MeV, with a time precision of 600 ns UTC). XStorm measurements are mainly planned to take place on board balloons, but can also be performed at ground level using bigger scintillators. XStorm is able to discriminate photons, electrons and neutrons, that are particle types involved in TGFs. We show the first measurements in fair weather and configurations allowing the detection of gamma ray glows. We estimate that XStorm will detect ∼0.5 TGF on average over one balloon flight of Stratéole‐2 campaign presented in the scientific objectives. Key Points: Development of a gamma ray spectrometer to detect gamma ray glows and terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs), able to discriminate photons, electrons, and neutronsResults from balloon test flights performed in fair weather conditions, detecting the background radiation level as a function of altitudeEstimation of the detectability of gamma ray glows and TGFs as a function of altitude with XStorm [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroimmune dysregulation from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) may contribute to neurological deficits associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). PAE is a risk factor for developing peripheral immune and spinal glial sensitization and release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β, which lead to neuropathic pain (allodynia) from minor nerve injury. Although morphine acts on μ‐opioid receptors, it also activates immune receptors, TLR4, and the NLRP3 inflammasome that induces IL‐1β. We hypothesized that PAE induces NLRP3 sensitization by morphine following nerve injury in adult mice. Methods: We used an established moderate PAE paradigm, in which adult PAE and non‐PAE control female mice were exposed to a minor sciatic nerve injury, and subsequent allodynia was measured using the von Frey fiber test. In control mice with standard sciatic damage or PAE mice with minor sciatic damage, the effects of the NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, were examined during chronic allodynia. Additionally, minor nerve‐injured mice were treated with morphine, with or without MCC950. In vitro studies examined the TLR4‐NLRP3‐dependent proinflammatory response of peripheral macrophages to morphine and/or lipopolysaccharide, with or without MCC950. Results: Mice with standard sciatic damage or PAE mice with minor sciatic damage developed robust allodynia. Blocking NLRP3 activation fully reversed allodynia in both control and PAE mice. Morphine paradoxically prolonged allodynia in PAE mice, while control mice with minor nerve injury remained stably non‐allodynic. Allodynia resolved sooner in nerve‐injured PAE mice without morphine treatment than in morphine‐treated mice. MCC950 treatment significantly shortened allodynia in morphine‐treated PAE mice. Morphine potentiated IL‐1β release from TLR4‐activated PAE immune cells, while MCC950 treatment greatly reduced it. Conclusions: In female mice, PAE prolongs allodynia following morphine treatment through NLRP3 activation. TLR4‐activated PAE immune cells showed enhanced IL‐1β release with morphine via NLRP3 actions. Similar studies are needed to examine the adverse impact of morphine in males with PAE. These results are predictive of adverse responses to opioid pain therapeutics in individuals with FASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used self‐report instrument to screen for postpartum depression (PPD). Assessing the relevance of the EPDS as a screening tool for minority ethnic populations is pertinent for ensuring culturally appropriate care. This scoping review aimed to explore what is known about the cultural adaptations of the EPDS in antepartum and postpartum mothers and fathers in East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian populations, and to what extent these adaptations are able to accurately screen for postpartum depression symptoms among these cultural groups. The scoping review was guided by the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. The search strategy included databases of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and Grey literature. Included studies were primary articles published in English language peer‐reviewed journals that investigated the validation or cultural adaptation of the EPDS in mothers who were pregnant and/or had recently given birth, or fathers who were new parents, and were limited to the following cultural groups, whether living locally or abroad in a foreign country: East Asian, Southeast Asian or South Asian populations. Thirty‐six of 2469 studies met criteria for inclusion. Twenty‐one of 36 studies utilizing a culturally validated EPDS demonstrated a cut‐off score lower than the original recommended cut‐off. Important themes identified included the Role of Culture, Somatization of PPD, Method of Interview, and contrasting performance compared to other scales used to assess depression and/or anxiety. Accessibility to translated and validated EPDS and mindfulness of ethnically relevant EPDS cut‐off scores are critical when using this tool among minority ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood tests are likely to become increasingly important in clinical practice, but they need to be evaluated in diverse groups before use in the general population. METHODS: This study enrolled a community‐based sample of older adults in the St. Louis, Missouri, USA area. Participants completed a blood draw, Eight‐Item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8®), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and survey about their perceptions of the blood test. A subset of participants completed additional blood collection, amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®). RESULTS: Of the 859 participants enrolled in this ongoing study, 20.6% self‐identified as Black or African American. The AD8 and MoCA correlated moderately with the CDR. The blood test was well accepted by the cohort, but it was perceived more positively by White and highly educated individuals. DISCUSSION: Studying an AD blood test in a diverse population is feasible and may accelerate accurate diagnosis and implementation of effective treatments. Highlights: A diverse group of older adults was recruited to evaluate a blood amyloid test.The enrollment rate was high and the blood test was well accepted by participants.Cognitive impairment screens have moderate performance in a diverse population.Alzheimer's disease blood tests are likely to be feasible for use in real‐world settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mustn1, a gene expressed exclusively in the musculoskeletal system, was shown in previous in vitro studies to be a key regulator of myogenic differentiation and myofusion. Other studies also showed Mustn1 expression associated with skeletal muscle development and hypertrophy. However, its specific role in skeletal muscle function remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the effects of Mustn1 in a conditional knockout (KO) mouse model in Pax7 positive skeletal muscle satellite cells. Specifically, we investigated the potential effects of Mustn1 on myogenic gene expression, grip strength, alterations in gait, ex vivo investigations of isolated skeletal muscle isometric contractions, and potential changes in the composition of muscle fiber types. Results indicate that Mustn1 KO mice did not present any substantial phenotypic changes or significant variations in genes related to myogenic differentiation and fusion. However, an approximately 10% decrease in overall grip strength was observed in the 2‐month‐old KO mice in comparison to the control wild type (WT), but this decrease was not significant when normalized by weight. KO mice also generated approximately 8% higher vertical force than WT at 4 months in the hindlimb. Ex vivo experiments revealed decreases in about 20 to 50% in skeletal muscle contractions and about 10%–20% fatigue in soleus of both 2‐ and 4‐month‐old KO mice, respectively. Lastly, immunofluorescent analyses showed a persistent increase of Type IIb fibers up to 15‐fold in the KO mice while Type I fibers decreased about 20% and 30% at both 2 and 4 months, respectively. These findings suggest a potential adaptive or compensatory mechanism following Mustn1 loss, as well as hinting at an association between Mustn1 and muscle fiber typing. Collectively, Mustn1's complex roles in skeletal muscle physiology requires further research, particularly in terms of understanding the potential role of Mustn1 in muscle repair and regeneration, as well as with influence of exercise. Collectively, these will offer valuable insights into Mustn1's key biological functions and regulatory pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]