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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and has been related to more than 7 million deaths globally since 2019. The association of high levels of IL‐6 with severe cases led to the early evaluation of the anti‐IL6 inhibitor tocilizumab as a potential treatment, which unfortunately failed to improve survival in many trials. Moreover, little is known about the development of COVID‐19 sequelae, and biomarkers are needed to understand and anticipate these processes. Because extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in viral infection and immune response, they could potentially serve as predictive and prognostic biomarkers. We isolated EVs from 39 patients with severe COVID‐19, from which 29 received tocilizumab and 10 were considered controls. Blood samples, which were collected at hospitalisation before treatment, at Day 7, and Day 15 during follow‐up, were assessed by immunoblot for longitudinal expression of spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. Dynamic expression was calculated and compared with clinicopathological and experimental variables. Expression of EV S was validated by immunogold and imaging flow‐cytometry, revealing an enrichment in CD9+ EVs. As a result, decreasing expression of EV viral proteins was observed in patients treated with tocilizumab. Moreover, higher increase in EV S was observed in patients with lower antibody response, hyperfibrinogenemia, lower respiratory function, higher blood pressure and shorter outcomes. These findings lay the foundation for future studies characterizing the role of EVs in multiorgan assessment and identifying biomarkers in patients with severe COVID‐19 and possible long COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) screening has been implemented in many blood establishments to help prevent transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), including from donors with occult HBV infection (OBI). We review HBV screening algorithms across blood establishments globally and their potential effectiveness in reducing transmission risk. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire on HBV screening and follow‐up strategies was distributed to members of the International Society of Blood Transfusion working party on transfusion‐transmitted infectious diseases. Screening data from 2022 were assimilated and analyzed. Results: A total of 30 unique responses were received from 25 countries. Sixteen respondents screened all donations for anti‐HBc, with 14 also screening all donations for HBV DNA. Anti‐HBc prevalence was 0.42% in all blood donors and 1.19% in new donors in low‐endemic countries; however, only 44% of respondents performed additional anti‐HBc testing to exclude false reactivity. 0.68% of anti‐HBc positive, HBsAg‐negative donors had detectable HBV DNA. Ten respondents did universal HBV DNA screening without anti‐HBc, whereas four respondents did not screen for either. Deferral strategies for anti‐HBc positive donors were highly variable. One transfusion‐transmission from an anti‐HBc negative donor was reported. Discussion: Anti‐HBc screening identifies donors with OBI but also results in the unnecessary deferral of a significant number of donors with resolved HBV infection and donors with false‐reactive anti‐HBc results. Whilst confirmation of anti‐HBc results could be improved to reduce donor deferral, transmission risks associated with anti‐HBc negative OBI donors must be considered. In high‐endemic areas, highly sensitive HBV DNA testing is required to identify infectious donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prematurity is associated with an increased risk of persistent wheezing but the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. The aim of this study was to identify blood transcriptional profiles associated with the development of wheezing in a cohort of moderate to late preterm infants and to define immune gene expression changes associated with wheezing. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of a multicenter birth cohort (SAREPREM) of moderate‐late preterm children followed during the first 3 years of life was analyzed. Children were enrolled in the first 2 weeks of life (Y0) and longitudinally evaluated at 1 (Y1), 2 (Y2), and 3 years (Y3) of age, for the presence of wheezing and to obtain samples for transcriptional profile analysis. Samples were processed on Illumina HT12 chips and genomic expression analyses performed with R programming, modular analysis for biological function, and QuSAGE for quantitative gene expression. Results: Seventy‐six children were included in the study; 33 were classified as non‐wheezing and 43 (56.6%) in the wheezing group. At Y0, children who developed wheezing had decreased expression of interferon genes and increased expression of B cell genes compared with the non‐wheezing group. These changes in IFN and B cell gene expression were especially significant in children with late/persistent wheezing compared with transient wheezers. Conclusions: Changes in IFN and B lymphocyte gene expression identified in early life suggest the existence of specific immunological mechanisms that play an important role in the development of wheezing in late‐preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to differentiated cells, cancer cells predominantly convert glucose to lactate even under conditions of adequate oxygen supply ("Warburg effect"). The initial enzyme implicated in this route is hexokinase, which transforms D‐glucose into D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate. We proposed the use of different polyphenols (resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, pterostilbene, phloretin) and their derivatives (α‐glucosides and acylated α‐glucosides) to inhibit this enzyme. For this study, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae hexokinase, whose two isoforms show high resemblance at the active site with human hexokinase HK2. To monitor the reactions, a method of anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) was developed. Remarkably, most of the assayed compounds inhibited the enzyme more than 50 % in the standard assay. Among them, phloretin 4'‐O‐(6"‐O‐octanoyl)‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside showed the highest inhibition and was studied in depth to determine the inhibition pattern and inhibition constant. The Ki for glucose was calculated to be 22.1±0.4 μM. Computational models of inhibition were carried out with the three molecules displaying the highest inhibition, and correlated adequately with the observed inhibitory effects on the enzyme. The inhibitory effect of several of the assayed polyphenols on hexokinase and their lack of toxicity renders them promising candidates as adjuvant drugs for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the potential link between residues of leave-on facial products and the clinical pattern of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). Through an experimental model involving healthy volunteers, the study found that residues of facial products tended to persist in areas commonly affected by FFA, such as the frontotemporal hairline and eyebrows. While the role of facial products in FFA pathogenesis remains controversial, the study provides a plausible hypothesis for the observed clinical pattern. The authors emphasize the need for further research in this area to better understand the relationship between facial skincare products and FFA. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Purpose: The post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection pose a significant global challenge, with nearly 50% of critical COVID‐19 survivors manifesting persistent lung abnormalities. The lack of understanding about the molecular mechanisms and effective treatments hampers their management. Here, we employed microRNA (miRNA) profiling to decipher the systemic molecular underpinnings of the persistent pulmonary complications. Experimental Approach: We conducted a longitudinal investigation including 119 critical COVID‐19 survivors. A comprehensive pulmonary evaluation was performed in the short‐term (median = 94.0 days after hospital discharge) and long‐term (median = 358 days after hospital discharge). Plasma miRNAs were quantified at the short‐term evaluation using the gold‐standard technique, RT‐qPCR. The analyses combined machine learning feature selection techniques with bioinformatic investigations. Two additional datasets were incorporated for validation. Key Results: In the short‐term, 84% of the survivors exhibited impaired lung diffusion (DLCO < 80% of predicted). One year post‐discharge, 54.4% of this patient subgroup still presented abnormal DLCO. Four feature selection methods identified two specific miRNAs, miR‐9‐5p and miR‐486‐5p, linked to persistent lung dysfunction. The downstream experimentally validated targetome included 1473 genes, with heterogeneous enriched pathways associated with inflammation, angiogenesis and cell senescence. Validation studies using RNA‐sequencing and proteomic datasets emphasized the pivotal roles of cell migration and tissue repair in persistent lung dysfunction. The repositioning potential of the miRNA targets was limited. Conclusion and Implications: Our study reveals early mechanistic pathways contributing to persistent lung dysfunction in critical COVID‐19 survivors, offering a promising approach for the development of targeted disease‐modifying agents. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non‐coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the application of click chemistry to the synthesis of amphiphilic lipidic copolymers with a target number of oleyl, cholesteryl, and linoleic pendant groups. The synthesis was performed using a two‐step approach. In the first step, copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) and α‐azido‐caprolactone (N3CL) was carried out using enzymatic ring‐opening polymerization (eROP) catalyzed by Candida Antarctica lipase B (CALB). This resulted in copolymers with an average molecular weight of 9.53 kDa, each containing approximately seven azide groups per chain. Subsequently, click chemistry was utilized to react P(N3CL‐co‐CL) copolymers with propargylated lipidic compounds, achieving azide group consumption higher than 88%. These lipidic copolymers exhibited reduced crystallinity, as evidenced by their lower melting enthalpy values. In addition, these materials were evaluated for the fabrication of nanostructured vehicles for curcumin (Cur@NP) using the solvent emulsion‐evaporation methodology. The lipidic copolymers demonstrated enhanced encapsulation efficiencies and drug loading capacities of 25 and 12%, respectively, tunable particle sizes in the range of 260–420 nm, and controlled release profiles over 30 h. Cur@NPs demonstrated notable antioxidant and antibacterial activities, particularly against Gram‐positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, achieving efficiencies close to 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a promising material for thermal management in 3D integrated circuits (ICs) due to its high thermal conductivity. However, achieving high thermal conductivity in AlN thin films grown at low temperatures on amorphous substrates poses significant challenges for back‐end‐of‐line (BEOL) compatibility. This study reports high cross‐plane thermal conductivities approaching 90 Wm−1K−1 for sub‐300 nm‐thick AlN films sputter‐deposited at low temperatures (<200 °C) on ordinary SiO2 substrates. The correlations between cross‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity, texture, grain size, oxygen content, Al:N atomic ratio, and thermal boundary conductance of these films are explored. These findings reveal the crucial role of grain orientation alignment in achieving high thermal conductivity and high thermal boundary conductance. A method is introduced to effectively monitor the thermal conductivity of the AlN thin films using X‐ray diffraction. This study offers valuable insights that can aid in the implementation of an effective thermal management material in the semiconductor production line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The growing demand for sustainable platforms for biomolecule manufacturing has fuelled the development of plant‐based production systems. Agroinfiltration, the current industry standard, offers several advantages but faces limitations for large‐scale production due to high operational costs and batch‐to‐batch variability. Alternatively, here, we describe the CuBe system, a novel bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV)‐derived conditional replicative expression platform stably transformed in Nicotiana benthamiana and activated by copper sulphate (CuSO4), an inexpensive and widely used agricultural input. The CuBe system utilizes a synthetic circuit of four genetic modules integrated into the plant genome: (i) a replicative vector harbouring the gene of interest (GOI) flanked by cis‐acting elements for geminiviral replication and novelly arranged to enable transgene transcription exclusively upon formation of the circular replicon, (ii) copper‐inducible Rep/RepA proteins essential for replicon formation, (iii) the yeast‐derived CUP2‐Gal4 copper‐responsive transcriptional activator for Rep/RepA expression, and (iv) a copper‐inducible Flp recombinase to minimize basal Rep/RepA expression. CuSO4 application triggers the activation of the system, leading to the formation of extrachromosomal replicons, expression of the GOI, and accumulation of the desired recombinant protein. We demonstrate the functionality of the CuBe system in N. benthamiana plants expressing high levels of eGFP and an anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody upon copper treatment. Notably, the system is functional in post‐harvest applications, a strategy with high potential impact for large‐scale biomanufacturing. This work presents the CuBe system as a promising alternative to agroinfiltration for cost‐effective and scalable production of recombinant proteins in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Limited research has examined how discrimination in young adulthood relates to substance use. We examined how multiple and specific types (e.g., race‐based) of experiences of unfair treatment are related to problematic alcohol and cannabis use. Methods: We analyzed cross‐sectional data from a diverse cohort of young adults (mean age 24.7) predominantly residing in southern California (n = 2303) to examine associations of multiple (count) and specific experiences (race‐, sexual orientation‐, gender‐based) of perceived everyday discrimination with self‐reported alcohol and cannabis use outcomes (consequences, use disorders, and solitary use). We also tested interactions between the three specific discrimination experiences and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., race‐based discrimination × race/ethnicity). Results: In this diverse sample (e.g., 47% Latinx/o and 22% Asian; 22% sexual/gender diverse; 56% female) of young adults, about 46% reported up to four different discrimination experiences and 27% reported race‐, 26% gender‐, and 5% sexual orientation‐based discrimination. Race‐ and gender‐based discrimination and experiencing more types of discrimination were associated with worse cannabis use outcomes. Race‐based discrimination was associated with fewer alcohol consequences and lower Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores. Associations with sexual orientation‐based discrimination and the interactions were not significant. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings build on limited research on associations of discrimination with cannabis use in young adults. More work is needed to understand the mechanisms by which discrimination influences drinking behaviors. Scientific Significance: This study advances the field by examining the unique contributions of specific and multiple types of discrimination experiences in young adulthood, a critical developmental period in which substance use peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To perform an economic evaluation to determine whether or not teledermatology (TD) units in primary care (PC) centers offer an alternative in terms of cost‐utility and cost per quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) to conventional dermatology consultations (face‐to‐face dermatology [F‐F/D]) at the hospital from the perspective of the Public Health System (PHS) and the patients. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, nonblinded, and multicenter study. During 6 months, data from 450 patients (TD: 225 vs. F‐F/D: 225) were collected. From both perspectives, costs, quality of life, and costs per QALYs were analyzed. The QALY scores were estimated from the EuroQol‐5D‐5L (EQ5D‐5L) questionnaire responses. Results: From the perspective of the PHS, the cost per patient was 53.04% lower in the TD group (p < 0.001). Hospital visits decreased by 72.43% in the TD group (p < 0.001). From the patients' perspective, TD reduced costs per patient by 77.59% (p < 0.001). The cost per QALY was 63.34% higher in the F‐F/D group (p < 0.001). The TD group's total costs were 56.34% lower (p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients in the TD group gained 0.05 QALYs more than those in the F‐F/D group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: This study shows that TD units in PC represent a significant cost‐effective alternative to conventional hospital follow‐up. To enhance TD in PC, it is important to introduce remote consultation platforms incorporating artificial intelligence for prediagnosis. This will enable general practitioners and nurses to make more accurate initial assessments. It is also crucial to provide thorough training to healthcare personnel using these technologies to ensure more efficient and personalized care. Public health nurses will benefit from gaining new skills in managing digital tools, which will help in the early identification of dermatological diseases and reduce unnecessary referrals to specialists. This will optimize resources and improve response times for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pituitary adenoma/pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the second most common primary intracranial tumor and the most frequent neuroendocrine tumors/neoplasms of the human body. Thus, they are one of the most frequent diagnoses in neuropathologist's practise. 2022 5th edition WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors does not support a grading and/or staging system for PitNETs and argues that histological typing and subtyping are more robust than proliferation rate and invasiveness to stratify tumors. Numerous studies suggest the existence of clinically relevant molecular subgroups encouraging an integrated histo‐molecular approach to the diagnosis of PitNETs to deepen the understanding of their biology and overcome the unresolved problem of grading system. The present review illustrates the main issues involved in establishing a grading and a staging system, as well as alternative systems validated by independent series to date. The state of art of the current histological and molecular markers is detailed, demonstrating that a standardized and reproducible clinico‐pathological approach, combined with the integration of molecular data may help build a workflow to refine the definition of PitNETs with 'malignant potential' and most importantly, avoid delay in patient treatment. Next molecular studied are needed to validate an integrated histo‐molecular grading for PitNETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous monitoring of electrophysiological biosignals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and bioimpedance (BioZ) rely on gel‐based electrodes and adhesive skin interfaces requiring active patient interaction inherently restricting chronic use. Current solutions aimed at addressing seamless, comfortable, and reliable recordings with dry electrodes use battery power and are limited to days of operation with clinical‐grade fidelity. Here, current limitations are overcome by uniting at‐distance wirelessly powered wearable electronics with carbon‐doped filament deposition modeling (FDM) printed dry electrodes that overcome impedance degradation by seamless integration into textile and biosymbiotic systems, allowing for high‐fidelity operation over indefinite timescales. These capabilities are demonstrated with ECG during work, activity, and sleep and BioZ recordings documenting gains in forearm training over weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In plants, L‐serine (Ser) biosynthesis occurs through various pathways and is highly dependent on the atmospheric CO2 concentration, especially in C3 species, due to the association of the Glycolate Pathway of Ser Biosynthesis (GPSB) with photorespiration. Characterization of a second plant Ser pathway, the Phosphorylated Pathway of Ser Biosynthesis (PPSB), revealed that it is at the crossroads of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur metabolism. The PPSB comprises three sequential reactions catalysed by 3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH), 3‐phosphoSer aminotransferase (PSAT) and 3‐phosphoSer phosphatase (PSP). PPSB was overexpressed in plants exhibiting two different modes of photosynthesis: Arabidopsis (C3 metabolism), and maize (C4 metabolism), under ambient (aCO2) and elevated (eCO2) CO2 growth conditions. Overexpression in Arabidopsis of the PGDH1 gene alone or PGDH1, PSAT1 and PSP1 in combination increased the Ser levels but also the essential amino acids threonine (aCO2), isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine and methionine (eCO2) compared to the wild‐type. These increases translated into higher protein levels. Likewise, starch levels were also increased in the PPSB‐overexpressing lines. In maize, PPSB‐deficient lines were obtained by targeting PSP1 using Cas9 endonuclease. We concluded that the expression of PPSB in maize male gametophyte is required for viable pollen development. Maize lines overexpressing the AtPGDH1 gene only displayed higher protein levels but not starch at both aCO2 and eCO2 conditions, this translated into a significant rise in the nitrogen/carbon ratio. These results suggest that metabolic engineering of PPSB in crops could enhance nitrogen content, particularly under upcoming eCO2 conditions where the activity of GPSB is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing marked shifts to historic environmental regimes, including increases in precipitation events (droughts and highly wet periods). Relative to droughts, the impacts of wet events have received less attention, despite heavy rainfall events increasing over the past century. Further, impacts of wet and dry events are often evaluated independently; yet, to persist and maintain their ecosystem functions, plant communities must be resilient to both precipitation events. This is particularly critical because while community properties can modulate the resilience (resistance, recovery, and invariability) of ecosystem functions to precipitation events, community properties can also respond to precipitation events. As a result, community responses to wet and dry years may impact the community's resilience to future events. Using two decades (2000–2020) of annual net primary productivity data from early successional grassland communities, we evaluated the plant community properties regulating primary productivity resistance and recovery to contrasting precipitation events and invariability (i.e. long‐term stability). We then explored how resilience‐modulating community properties responded to precipitation. We found that community properties—specifically, evenness, dominant species (Solidago altissima) relative abundance, and species richness—strongly regulate productivity resistance to drought and predict productivity invariability and tended to promote resistance to wet years. These community properties also responded to both wet and dry precipitation extremes and exhibited lagged responses that lasted into the next growing season. We infer that these connections between precipitation events, community properties, and resilience may lead to feedbacks impacting a plant community's resilience to subsequent precipitation events. Synthesis. By exploring the impacts of both drought and wet extremes, our work uncovers how precipitation events, which may not necessarily impact productivity directly, could still cryptically influence resilience via shifts in resilience‐promoting properties of the plant community. We conclude that these precipitation event‐driven community shifts may feedback to impact long‐term productivity resilience under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity may be more prevalent among populations who are of low socioeconomic status, have limited access to nutrient‐dense foods, or both. One such population is justice‐involved youth. This series of translational experiments builds on previous research on food reinforcement and behavioral demand by (a) assaying demand for snack foods among justice‐involved adolescents and (b) evaluating the effect of a nutrition intervention on justice‐involved adolescents' demand for healthier alternatives. In Experiment 1, participants completed preference assessments for high‐ and low‐energy‐density snack foods and corresponding commodity purchasing tasks. The results indicated significant differences in demand based on energy density and preference. In Experiment 2, justice‐involved adolescents received a nutrition intervention. Following intervention, participants repeated preference assessments and commodity purchasing tasks. The researchers used mixed‐effects modeling to evaluate the effect of (a) the intervention, (b) participant age, and (c) the amount of intervention received on pre–post differences in demand for healthier alternatives. Results and implications are discussed along with future directions for improving conditions of confinement for justice‐involved adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The path of totality of the 8 April 2024 solar eclipse traversed the fields‐of‐view of four US SuperDARN radars. This rare scenario provided an excellent opportunity to monitor the large‐scale ionospheric response to the eclipse. In this study, we present observations made by the Blackstone (BKS) SuperDARN radar and a Digisonde during the eclipse. Two striking effects were observed by the BKS radar: (a) the Doppler velocities associated with ground scatter coalesced into a pattern clearly organized by the line of totality, with a reversal in sign across this line, and, (b) a delay of ∼ ${\sim} $45 min between time of maximum obscuration and maximum effect on the skip distance. The skip distance estimated using a SAMI3 simulation of the eclipse did not however capture the asymmetric time‐delay. These observations suggest that the neutral atmosphere plays an important role in controlling ionospheric plasma dynamics, which were missing in SAMI3 simulations. Plain Language Summary: The total solar eclipse on 8 April 2024 was the last one to be observed over the continental United States until 2045. In addition to blocking the visible light from the Sun over a swath ranging a few hundred kilometers, a solar eclipse will also partially obscure the Sun's extreme ultraviolet radiation. As a result, an eclipse can drive significant changes in the ionosphere, a charged region in the Earth's upper atmosphere that is predominantly ionized by solar radiation. A unique feature of this eclipse was that the path of totality traversed the fields‐of‐view of three Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars–Fort Hays East, Blackstone, and Wallops Island. SuperDARN radars operate in the High Frequency (HF) range, and radio waves in this frequency range are particularly sensitive to changes in the ionosphere. In this study, we use observations provided by SuperDARN radars alongside a Digisonde to determine the temporal response of the different ionospheric layers to the eclipse and compare these observations with modeled behavior. Key Points: We present observations made by the Blackstone SuperDARN radar, a Digisonde, and SAMI3 simulations to analyze the eclipsed ionosphereSuperDARN Doppler velocities cohered into a pattern clearly organized by the line of totality with a reversal in sign across the lineSuperDARN skip distance and Digisonde derived foF2 show a delayed response to the shadow, suggesting slower response at higher altitudes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Interactions between plants and herbivores promote evolutionary change. Studying the evolution of herbivore mechanisms aimed to cope with different host plant species is a critical intersection between evolutionary biology and sustainable pest management. Generalist herbivores are of particular interest, as hybridization between genetically distinct populations can increase the standing genetic variation and therefore the adaptive potential of the species. Tetranychus urticae is a generalist arthropod known for its adaptive potential, evidenced in its immense host range and ability to develop metabolic resistance to xenobiotics. However, the molecular underpinnings associated with the potential of host adaptation and the consequences of host adaptation in this, and many other pests remain elusive. Here, we use two independent, empirical approaches to identify and map the genetic basis of host plant performance and adaptation in genetically distinct populations of T. urticae. In the first approach, we subject a genetically diverse mite population to tomato selection and map genomic regions linked to the phenotypic evolution of increased reproductive performance. In the second approach, we map genomic regions responsible for performance on tomato by comparing the genomes of pooled individuals from an F2 backcross between populations with high and low reproductive performance. Both approaches revealed specific and shared genomic regions associated with host plant performance and adaptation and key candidate genes were identified. Our findings highlight the power of spider mite genetic approaches to identify the complex genetic basis of host adaptation in generalist herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preconception and pregnancy represent a unique window of opportunity for women to engage with the health care system. This article explores the possibility of offering testing for cancer‐associated pathogenic variants on obstetrical carrier screening panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A bezoar is defined as a foreign body resulting from the accumulation of ingested material or food in the stomach. However, they can also be found in the duodenum and other segments of the intestine. The average age of occurrence is 11 years, predominantly affecting females. Among its complications, gastric outlet obstruction is the most frequent, though secondary gastric perforation is extremely rare. Material and Methods: Four clinical cases are presented from a third‐level care facility in Mexico City over the period 2022–2024, all resolved surgically. Results: Four clinical cases involved females aged between 11 and 14 years. All cases presented with generalized abdominal pain, an epigastric mass, nausea, and vomiting. In one case, a gastric perforation occurred. Postsurgical complications included superficial surgical site infections in two cases, an average of 5 days of nil per oral (NPO), and an average hospital stay of 9.2 days. All patients were referred to the pediatric psychiatry service for follow‐up after discharge. Conclusion: Trichobezoar is a rare pathology with a marked incidence in our population, having multiple cases within such a short period. This situation provides a new path to establish an epidemiological basis in our Mexican population and to explore the link between these clinical cases, offering insights into their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) show increased muscle weakness in the elbow extensor compared to elbow flexor muscles. Although this is a well‐known functional deficit, the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this question, we measured the suppression of voluntary electromyographic activity (svEMG; a measurement thought to reflect changes in intracortical inhibition) by applying low‐intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation over the arm representation of the primary motor cortex during 10% of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) into elbow flexion or extension in individuals with and without chronic cervical SCI. We found that the svEMG latency and duration were not different between the biceps and triceps brachii in controls but prolonged in the triceps in individuals with SCI. The svEMG area was larger in the triceps compared to the biceps in both groups and further increased in SCI participants, suggesting a pronounced intracortical inhibitory input during elbow extension. A negative correlation was found between svEMG area and MVCs indicating that control and SCI participants with lower svEMG area had larger MVCs. The svEMG area was not different between 5% and 30% of MVC, making it less probable that differences in muscle strength between groups contributed to our results. These findings support the existence of strong inhibitory input to corticospinal projections controlling elbow extensor compared to flexor muscles, which is more pronounced after chronic cervical SCI. Key points: After cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), people often recover function in elbow flexor, but much less in elbow extensor muscles. The neural mechanisms contributing to this difference remain unknown.We measured the suppression of voluntary electromyographic activity (svEMG) elicited through low‐intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (assumed to reflect changes in intracortical inhibition) in the biceps and triceps muscles in controls and individuals with cervical chronic incomplete SCI.We found increased svEMG area in the triceps compared to the biceps in controls and SCI participants, with this measurement being even more pronounced in the triceps after SCI. The svEMG area correlated with maximal voluntary contraction values in both groups, suggesting the people with lesser inhibition had larger motor output.Our results support the presence of strong cortical inhibitory input to corticospinal projections controlling elbow extensor compared to elbow flexors muscles after cervical SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coastal fishery resources shared by Belize and Mexico emphasize the need for bi‐national conservation and management strategies. We used the recreational flats fishery as a model to: (1) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a mixed‐methods approach for fishery conservation and management and (2) propose a general strategic plan to guide conservation and management that also benefits biodiversity of aquatic resources. The approach consisted of gathering local knowledge, observing participants, reviewing literature, and interviewing key representatives of the flats fishing community, resource managers (governmental and co‐managers), academia and non‐governmental organizations, followed by online surveys, to rank overall findings and prioritize concerns identified by a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Our findings indicated that science, education, conservation, and management were important. The strategic framework included goals, objectives, strategies, and outcomes that will depend on validation and collaboration amongst sectors to generate information and application to fisheries and protected areas (PAs) management to benefit local communities, national economies, and preservation of biodiversity. Prioritized needs included: (1) science to address habitat loss and degradation, overharvest, habitat use conflict resolution, fishing pressure, and protection of key habitats for all life cycles of target species; (2) education and awareness to increase knowledge, address fish handling practices, and guide conservation and management decision‐making; (3) inclusion of the flats fishery in conservation plans, PAs, development, and economic plans; and (4) improved enforcement of regulations to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials have superior electronic, optical, and mechanical properties making them highly suitable for a range of applications in optoelectronics, biomedical fields, and photonics. Nanomaterials‐based IR detectors are rapidly growing due to enhanced sensitivity, wide spectral range, and device miniaturization compared to commercial photodetectors. This review paper focuses on the significant role of nanomaterials in infrared detection, an area critical for enhancing night vision and health monitoring technologies. The latest advancements in IR photodetectors that employ various nanomaterials and their hybrids are discussed. The manuscript covers the operational mechanisms, device designing, performance optimization strategies, and material challenges. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current developments in nanomaterial‐based IR photodetectors and to identify key directions for future research and technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suitable solid electrolyte can turn the long‐standing dream of a safe commercial all‐solid‐statebattery into reality in the same way as appropriate liquid electrolytes kickstarted the first commercial lithium‐ion battery. Presently, halide‐based electrolytes despite their reactivity with lithium metal are extensively studied as they offer better processability, malleability, oxidative stability, and safety over sulfide‐based electrolytes. Particularly, LiMCl6 (M = Ta/Nb) chloride‐based amorphous electrolytes are generating widespread interest with their high conductivities, comparable to liquid electrolytes. In this context, with synchrotron X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques, well‐crystallized triclinic layered LiMCl6 (M = Ta/Nb) chlorides with an hcp AB‐type stacking of chloride ions is reported. The hexagonally ordered NbCl6 octahedra share edges with LiCl6 octahedra forming a honeycomb pattern, whereas Li+ is intermixed with M5+ for M = Ta. Furthermore, it is found that crystalline LiTaCl6 has an ionic conductivity of ≈10−5 mS cm−1, six orders of magnitude lower than that reported for superionic amorphous LiTaCl6. Nevertheless, crystalline LiTaCl6 is utilized as an intercalation compound in an all‐solid‐state‐battery, uncovering a solid‐solution/two‐phase/conversion pathway for lithium‐insertion during the three distinct redox plateaus below 3 V versus Li+/Li°. Broadly, the findings give insights into the structure, ionic conduction, and intercalation in a new family of layered halides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By taking into account the methodological guidelines brought by the Cartographic approach (Cinque 1999; Rizzi 1997), this article aims to propose a Cartographic analysis of the temporal adjunct por x tempo (‘for x time’) in Brazilian Portuguese. It particularly seeks to explore how the two possible readings given by the combination of this adjunct with telic and atelic predicates—as reported in the literature (Basso 2007, Basso & Pires de Oliveira 2010, Basso & Bergamini‐Perez 2016, among others)—can be derived in Syntax. We argue that very simple (Minimalist) ingredients, namely external and internal Merge, coupled with the assumption of Cartographic hierarchies—in this particular case, Cinque's (1999) hierarchy—can account for these two readings in a straightforward way, under a view we call Alternative I (which is confronted with a radical competing analysis, Alternative II, whose sole ingredient is recursive merge). We show the advantages of the Cartographic analysis (Alternative I) in directly mapping out to the interpretive system the two readings made available by the combination of por x tempo (‘for x time’) with different predicates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Tools for Data Analysis" from Movement Disorders Clinical Practice discusses the importance of statistics in human research studies. It outlines the cycle of a human research study, emphasizing the role of statistics in sampling, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. The article also touches on the use of machine learning algorithms in human research studies, highlighting the challenges and potential benefits of these methods. The authors stress the significance of statistical analysis in research projects and the need for statistical expertise in human research teams. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To determine the budget impact of implementing multidisciplinary complex pain clinics (MCPCs) for Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients living with complex chronic pain and substance use disorder comorbidities who are on risky opioid regimens. Data Sources and Study Setting: We measured implementation costs for three MCPCs over 2 years using micro‐costing methods. Intervention and downstream costs were obtained from the VA Managerial Cost Accounting System from 2 years prior to 2 years after opening of MCPCs. Study Design: Staff at the three VA sites implementing MCPCs were supported by Implementation Facilitation. The intervention cohort was patients at MCPC sites who received treatment based on their history of chronic pain and risky opioid use. Intervention costs and downstream costs were estimated with a quasi‐experimental study design using a propensity score‐weighted difference‐in‐difference approach. The healthcare utilization costs of treated patients were compared with a control group having clinically similar characteristics and undergoing the standard route of care at neighboring VA medical centers. Cancer and hospice patients were excluded. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: Activity‐based costing data acquired from MCPC sites were used to estimate implementation costs. Intervention and downstream costs were extracted from VA administrative data. Principal Findings: Average Implementation Facilitation costs ranged from $380 to $640 per month for each site. Upon opening of three MCPCs, average intervention costs per patient were significantly higher than the control group at two intervention sites. Downstream costs were significantly higher at only one of three intervention sites. Site‐level differences were due to variation in inpatient costs, with some confounding likely due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This evidence suggests that necessary start‐up investments are required to initiate MCPCs, with allocations of funds needed for implementation, intervention, and downstream costs. Conclusions: Incorporating implementation, intervention, and downstream costs in this evaluation provides a thorough budget impact analysis, which decision‐makers may use when considering whether to expand effective programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The diagnosis of a mood‐related psychiatric disorder (MRPD) among patients with cancer has been associated with decreased quality of life and lower cancer survival. This study aimed to understand the risk of a new MRPD after cancer diagnosis by individual risk behaviors, with a specific focus on tobacco use and the presence of a human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cancer. Methods: Single‐center retrospective cohort study of 11,712 patients diagnosed with cancer between 2009 and 2020. We identified predictors of a new MRPD after cancer diagnosis using a time‐to‐event analysis and Cox proportional hazards model including demographics, disease characteristics, and tobacco use and HPV‐associated tumors. Results: Univariate analyses revealed lower hazard ratios (HRs) of a new MRPD among individuals that identified as Asian/Pacific Islanders and among the older age groups (> 51 years). Univariate analyses additionally demonstrated higher HRs of MRPD among females; sexual minorities; former and current smokers; individuals with HPV‐associated cancers; and individuals diagnosed at later stages. These relationships were observed in the multivariate model when adjusting for covariates. Shorter time‐to‐MRPD was observed when stratifying by individual behavioral risk factors, with active smokers and individuals with an HPV‐associated cancer being at the highest risk. Conclusions: Individual behavioral risk factors increase risk of new MRPD after being diagnosed with cancer. These findings build on past studies by linking tobacco use and HPV‐associated cancers with MRPD risk in oncology and can be used to identify patients at risk of developing new MRPDs post‐cancer diagnosis and engaging them in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Research examining how alcohol consumption changed across different socio‐demographic groups during the pandemic has largely relied upon convenience samples recruited after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure whether the pandemic shifted alcohol consumption in different gender, age and income groups in Australia. Design, setting and participants: This was a longitudinal study using four waves (2017–20) of the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to compare pre‐pandemic consumption (2017–19) with consumption in 2020. A total of 11 636 participants in Australia aged 15 years and older took part. Measurements: Participants were asked annually about their alcohol consumption, demographics and income. Findings There was a statistically significant increase in alcohol consumption during the first year of the pandemic [incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1, 1.1], largely driven by changes in drinking frequency. We found a significant difference in consumption change from pre‐COVID‐19 to during COVID‐19 for participants aged under 55 years compared with those aged over 55 years. In addition, participants aged 15–34 reported less alcohol consumption during the pandemic than those aged 35 years and older. No significant differences were identified across gender and income groups. Conclusions: Alcohol consumption in Australia increased during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Survey participants aged 55 years and over seemed to be the least impacted by the public health measures introduced during the pandemic, such as the closure of licensed premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit high levels of reactive oxygen species and low plasma levels of lipophilic antioxidants, which may contribute to end‐organ damage and disease sequelae. Apolipoprotein A1, the major apolipoprotein of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), is mainly secreted by the intestine and liver in the form of monomeric ApoA1 (mApoA1) present in plasma. Cholesterol and α‐tocopherol are delivered to ApoA1 via the ATP‐binding cassette transporter, subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1). We measured cholesterol, mApoA1, ApoA1, and lipophilic antioxidants in the plasma of 17 patients with SCD and 40 healthy volunteers. Mean HDL cholesterol (‐C) levels in SCD patients and healthy subjects were 59.3 and 48.1 mg/dL, respectively, and plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and α‐tocopherol were 64.0%, 68.7%, and 9.1% lower, respectively. To compare SCD to healthy subjects with similar HDL‐C, we also performed subgroup analyses of healthy subjects with HDL‐C above or below the mean. In SCD, the mApoA1 level was 30.4 μg/mL; 80% lower than 141 μg/mL measured in healthy volunteers with similar HDL‐C (56.7 mg/dL). The mApoA1 level was also 38.4% greater in the higher versus lower HDL‐C subgroups (p =.002). In the higher HDL‐C subgroup, lutein and zeaxanthin transported by HDL were 48.9% (p =.01) and 41.9% (p =.02) higher, respectively, whereas α‐tocopherol was 31.7% higher (p =.003), compared to the lower HDL‐C subgroup. Plasma mApoA1 may be a marker of the capacity of HDL to capture and deliver liposoluble antioxidants, and treatments which raise HDL may benefit patients with high oxidative stress as exemplified by SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adenovirus has been implicated as a cause of acute liver failure (ALF) following a global outbreak of adenovirus‐associated ALF in 2021. To understand any association between viral infection and ALF, it is important to know the baseline prevalence of that virus in children undergoing liver transplant for acute and chronic liver disease (CLD). Our objective was to perform retrospective evaluation of prevalence of common hepatotropic viruses among children who underwent liver transplant at our center. Methods: We studied 33 stored frozen hepatic explant samples (originally collected between 2004 and 2021 as part of a liver repository) which fell into three categories: ALF (n = 18), acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF, n = 7), and CLD (n = 8). DNA was extracted from the samples, and viral PCR testing was performed for adenovirus, EBV, CMV, and HHV‐6. Results: Adenovirus was detected in a single case of indeterminate ALF transplanted in 2019. CMV was detected in two cases, and there were no EBV positive specimens in any group. HHV‐6 was more prevalent with 21 of 33 specimens testing positive including ALF, ACLF, and CLD cases. Conclusion: This retrospective study of common childhood virus prevalence in liver explants provides important baseline information for studying potential viral etiologies of ALF. We did not identify any clusters of infections. The most frequently occurring virus and only virus found in all categories was HHV‐6, underscoring the high prevalence in this heterogenous group. Adenovirus was identified in 1 out of 18 of ALF samples, but likely was not a hepatic pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The goal of our study was to use a nested sampling design to compare the distribution of different groups of organisms with different dispersal modes and examine their responses in community composition to environmental heterogeneity at different spatial scales (local pool vs. riffle habitat, sections within a river and between rivers). Location: Upper Colorado River basin, Texas, USA. Taxon: Fishes, mussels and macroinvertebrates. Methods: We sampled 100 sites using a nested sampling design across five rivers (four tributaries and the mainstem), with four river sections and five sampling sites per section, each consisting of a pool and riffle habitat. Collected data on species abundances, local and landscape environmental variables and spatial variables were analysed using a combination of dissimilarity, redundancy and variation partitioning analysis. Results: At the river scale, environmental heterogeneity explained 28% and 34% of the variation in mussel and fish communities, respectively, and 15% for macroinvertebrates. Community changes between sections in the tributaries were highest for fishes, but similarly high for fishes and macroinvertebrates in the mainstem. Significant patterns for mussels were only detected in rivers with higher abundances. No significant differences in dissimilarity were found between mesohabitats, but a small significant effect of mesohabitat was detected for mussels with RDA after removing the river effect. Main Conclusions: Although the depauperate mussel communities made it more difficult to draw any conclusions, there were some indications that their distribution was driven by environmental heterogeneity across scales. Section and river scales were relevant for fish, whereas macroinvertebrates showed a weaker response to environmental heterogeneity at these scales. The combination of approaches detected more ecologically meaningful patterns than one analysis alone would have. This study highlights the complexity of riverine community dynamics and underscores the need for a multiscale approach to identify their distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prescription medications are an essential element of military amputation care programs. Objectives: To analyze (1) outpatient prescription medications following combat‐related amputations, (2) longitudinal changes in prescription activity during the first year postinjury, and (3) patient characteristics associated with prescription medications. Design: Retrospective study of military casualty records and outpatient prescription medications. Clinicians identified 13 medication categories based on American Hospital Formulary Service classifications. Setting: Military amputation rehabilitation program. Patients: 1651 service members who sustained major limb amputations during 2001–2017. Main Outcomes Measures: Prescription medication category, days' supply, opioid dosage. Results: During the first year postinjury, patients averaged 65 outpatient prescriptions (new or refills, SD = 43.3) and 8 (SD = 1.9) of 13 medication categories. Nearly all patients (99%) had opioid prescriptions averaging high dosages with variation by patient characteristics and postinjury time. At least 84% of patients had prescriptions for one or more central nervous system, gastrointestinal, psychotherapeutic, immune/anti‐infective and/or nonopioid analgesic medications. Prescriptions declined from the first (92%) to fourth (73%) quarter postinjury. Many patients had prescription opioids (51%), central nervous system medications (43%), or psychotherapeutic medications (32%) during the fourth quarter. In regression models, multiple factors including White race/ethnicity (relative risk [RR] = 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.06–1.28], p =.001), injury severity, traumatic brain injury, upper limb amputation (RR = 0.90; CI: [0.83–0.99], p =.020), multiple amputation (RR = 1.12 CI: [1.03–1.22], p =.008), phantom limb syndrome, chronic pain, and posttraumatic stress disorder were significantly associated with prescriptions (p's <.05). Conclusions: Amputation care providers manage a high volume and wide range of prescription medications including multiple central nervous system drugs. The results show significant variation in prescription practices by patient characteristics and time postinjury. These findings can help optimize the benefits and reduce the risks of prescription medications and indicate areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rarely, Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) manifests exclusively in the skin, typically as nodules on the trunk and extremities. Recognition of characteristic histopathologic features enables diagnosis of RDD. A 55‐year‐old female presented with a 7‐year history of cutaneous nodules involving the trunk and extremities. A prior skin biopsy specimen at a different institution had demonstrated a dense dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with histiocytes containing GMS+ forms, favored to represent cryptococcal organisms, with a differential diagnosis including other infections with parasitized histiocytes. Despite antibiotic therapy, lesions persisted. After a presentation to our institution, a biopsy specimen showed a diffuse infiltrate, including histiocytes with voluminous pale cytoplasm with focal emperipolesis of inflammatory cells and S100 immunohistochemical positivity. Clinical and radiologic examinations did not identify significant extracutaneous involvement. A genetic study performed on the biopsy specimen identified a K57Q mutation of MAP2K1. The presence of this mutation correlated with prior reports of MAP2K1 mutation in classic RDD, thereby supporting our histopathologic diagnosis of RDD over an infectious process and further illuminating options for targeted therapies. At 3‐year follow‐up, the patient has been managed with a course of systemic corticosteroids and excision of bothersome lesions. Consideration of systemic therapy is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF‐8) for antimicrobial drug delivery depend on the aqueous suspension stability of the ZIF‐8 which is influenced by their crystallinity, size, shape, aggregation, and surface chemistry. This study evaluated the stability of ZIF‐8 nanoparticles in terms of their aggregation and sedimentation characteristics. ZIF‐8 nanocomposites were synthesized with methanol via sonication at 30°C for 1 h. The effect of drying methods (oven drying at 80°C, and vacuum drying at 35°C), number of washing steps (0 = no wash, 1, 2, 3), and washing medium (washing with water and ethanol instead of methanol, and redispersion in water and ethanol) on the suspension stability was evaluated. The impact of added xanthan gum (XG) and poly‐L‐lysine (PL) as suspension media was also evaluated. ZIF‐8 nanoparticles were also synthesized using ethanol and suspended in PL. % transmittance and zeta potential were measured for freshly prepared ZIF‐8 suspensions in PL and after freeze‐drying and resuspending in water. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were utilized for the assessment of the crystallinity, structure, and morphology of the samples. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion test against Escherichia coli. Dried methanol‐synthesized ZIF‐8 nanoparticles did not suspend in water; only the ZIF‐8 nanoparticles synthesized with reduced washing times and no drying treatment were resuspended in the water, XG and PL solutions. Instead, the ethanol‐synthesized ZIF‐8 nanoparticles were resuspended in water even after being washed three times and dried in a vacuum oven. SEM and TEM images and XRD patterns showed that alcohol can form well‐defined ZIF‐8 nanoparticles. FTIR spectra showed that ZIF‐8 had typical peaks of ZIF‐8 reported by others. Although particle size increased, the PL coating provided a 32.22% increase in zeta potential of ZIF‐8 nanoparticles from 36.25 to 47.93 mV (p < 0.05) and prevented aggregation and sedimentation of the nanoparticles without changing their morphology. All the tested ZIF‐8 nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity with the PL‐coated ZIF‐8 having the highest effect followed by the ZIF‐8 nanoparticles synthesized in ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most drugs currently approved are meant to treat specific diseases or symptoms, it has been hypothesized that some might bear a beneficial effect on lifespan in healthy older individuals, outside of their specific disease indication. Such drugs include, among others, metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors and rapamycin. Since 2006, the UK biobank has recorded prescription medication and mortality data for over 500′000 participants, aged between 40 and 70 years old. In this work, we examined the impact of the top 406 prescribed medications on overall mortality rates within the general population of the UK. As expected, most drugs were linked to a shorter lifespan, likely due to the life‐limiting nature of the diseases they are prescribed to treat. Importantly, a few drugs were associated with increased lifespans, including notably Sildenafil, Atorvastatin, Naproxen and Estradiol. These retrospective results warrant further investigation in randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine (MI) is the most common neurological disease, affecting with 20% of the world population. A subset of 25% of MI patients showcase concurrent vestibular symptoms, which may classify as vestibular migraine (VM). Meniere's disease (MD) is a complex inner ear disorder defined by episodes of vertigo associated with tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss with a significant autoimmune/autoinflammatory contribution, which symptoms overlap with VM. Blood samples from 18 patients with MI (5), VM (5) and MD (8) and 6 controls were collected and compared in a case–control study. Droplet‐isolated nuclei from mononuclear cells used to generate scRNAseq and scATACseq data sets from MI, VM and MD. MI and VM have no differences in their immune transcriptome; therefore, they were considered as a single cluster for further analyses. Natural Killer (NK) cells transcriptomic data support a polarisation triggered by Type 1 innate immune cells via the release of interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐15 and IL‐18. According to the monocyte scRNAseq data, there were two MD clusters, one inactive and one driven by monocytes. The unique pathways of the MI + VM cluster were cellular responses to metal ions, whereas MD monocyte‐driven cluster pathways showed responses to biotic stimuli. MI and MD have different immune responses. These findings support that MI and VM have a Type 1 immune lymphoid cell response, and that there are two clusters of MD patients, one inactive and one Monocyte‐driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report introduces the development of the Southeast Asian Indigenous Psychology (SEAIP) network and the outcomes of the SEAIP‐2023 conference. First, we summarize four priorities of SEAIP research that evolved throughout the years; next, we propose four action plans in translating our research into practice. Our report aims to inspire Asian psychologists, especially the younger generation of scholars, to join and contribute to the development of this network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selexipag is an oral selective prostacyclin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. To date, no treatment targeting the prostacyclin pathway is approved for pediatric patients. Our goal is to identify a pediatric dose regimen that results in comparable exposures to selexipag and its active metabolite JNJ‐68006861 as those shown to be efficacious in adult PAH patients. Extrapolation from the population pharmacokinetic (PK) model developed in adults (GRIPHON study; NCT01106014) resulted in the definition of three different pediatric body weight groups (≥9 to <25 kg, ≥25 to <50 kg, and ≥50 kg) with corresponding starting doses (100, 150, and 200 μg twice daily) and maximum allowed doses (800, 1200, and 1600 μg twice daily). The proposed pediatric dose regimen was subsequently tested in a clinical study (NCT03492177), including 63 pediatric PAH patients ≥2 to <18 years of age and a body weight range of 9.9–93.5 kg. The body weight‐adjusted dose regimen for selexipag resulted in comparable systemic exposures to selexipag and its active metabolite in pediatric patients as previously observed in adult PAH patients. Updating the adult selexipag population PK model provided overall consistent parameters and confirmed that the PK characteristics of selexipag and its active metabolite were comparable between pediatric and adult patients. The presented selexipag dose regimen for pediatric PAH patients is considered appropriate for continuing the clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of selexipag in pediatric patients ≥2 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The aims of our study are to evaluate the diagnostic performance and prognostic value of radiological lymph node (LN) characteristics in pN+ oral cavity squamous carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: pN+ OSCC treated between 2012 and 2020 were included. Preoperative imaging was reviewed by a single radiologist blinded to pathologic findings for the following nodal features: imaging‐positive LN (iN+), laterality and total number, and image‐identified extranodal extension (iENE). The sensitivity of iN+ for pN+ was calculated. The diagnostic performance of other nodal features was evaluated in the iN+ subgroup. The association of radiologic nodal features with overall survival (OS) was evaluated. Inter‐rater kappa for radiologic nodal features was assessed in 100 randomly selected cases. Results: Of 406 pN+ OSCC, 288 were iN+. The sensitivity of iN+ for pN+ was 71% overall, and improved to 89% for pN+ LN >1.5 cm. Within iN+, sensitivity/specificity for LN size (>3 cm), total LN number (>4), and ENE were 0.44/0.95, 0.57/0.84, and 0.27/0.96, respectively. Sensitivity of iENE was higher in the subset, with major (>2 mm) versus minor (≤2 mm) pENE (43% vs. 13%, p = 0.001). Reduced OS was observed in iN+ versus iN– (p = 0.006), iENE+ versus iENE– (p = 0.004), LN size >3 versus ≤3 cm (p < 0.001), and higher LN number (p < 0.001). Inter‐rater kappa for iN+, laterality, total LN number, and presence of iENE were 0.71, 0.57, 0.78, and 0.69, respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows that despite modest sensitivity of most radiological nodal features, the specificity of image‐identified nodal features is high and their prognostic values are retained in pN+ OSCC. Level of Evidence: 3 (retrospective review comparing cases and controls) Laryngoscope, 134:4947–4955, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is a rare entity characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid within the fetal extravascular compartments and body cavities. Here we present two intrauterine fetal demises with NIHF presenting with oligohydramnios, cystic hygroma, pleural effusion, and generalized hydrops with predominance of subcutaneous edema. The fetuses also presented with ascites, severe and precocious IUGR and skeletal anomalies. Whole exome sequencing was applied in order to screen for a possible genetic cause. The results identified biallelic variants in MYBBP1A in both fetuses. A previous report described another case with a similar phenotype having compound heterozygous variants in the same gene. The protein encoded by MYBBP1A is involved in several cellular processes including the synthesis of ribosomal DNA, the response to nucleolar stress, and tumor suppression. Our functional protein analysis through immunohistochemistry indicates that MYBBP1A is a gene expressed during fetal stages. Altogether, we concluded that MYBBP1A is associated with the development of hydrops fetalis. More cases and further studies are necessary to understand the role of this gene and the mechanism associated with NIHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brachytherapy (BT) treatments involving temporary high‐dose rate (HDR) sources are extensively employed in clinical practice. Ensuring the consistency of all measurement equipment at the hospital level is crucial, requiring a robust redundancy and consistency program. This enables the institution to verify the stability of the dosimetry system over time. Purpose: To describe, justify, and analyze a component of the redundancy program of the calibration protocols followed by the Radiotherapy Department of the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe (València, Spain) during the last 10 years for the case of HDR BT as an additional component to ensure long term stability of the measurement equipment. Methods: At the time the HDR BT source is replaced, its Air Kerma Strength (SK) is measured. By comparing this value with the one obtained at the time of installation (corrected by decay), a clear determination of the stability of the measurement equipment can be performed. Results: Difference between SK,vendor and SK,hosp as a function of the measurement date is reported for a 10 years' period. All measurements are well within the ±3% tolerance level recommended in current international guidelines. Percentage differences of SK,hosp values at the time of replacement compared to SK,hosp ones at the time when the source was installed are within the ±0.5% range, reflecting oscillations around a null deviation. Conclusions: The method proposed allows any hospital to ensure a redundancy component of the long‐term stability of all equipment involved in BT measurements in a very simple and time efficient manner. Additionally, it enables the hospital to maintain a detailed log of historical differences, facilitating the identification and correction of potential systematic deviations over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique properties of the lanthanide (Ln) elements make them critical components of modern technologies, such as lasers, anti‐corrosive films and catalysts. Thus, there is significant interest in establishing structure–property relationships for Ln‐containing materials to advance these technologies. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is an excellent technique for this task considering its ability to determine the average local structure around the Ln atoms for both crystalline and amorphous materials. However, the limited availability of EXAFS reference spectra of the Ln oxides and challenges in the EXAFS analysis have hindered the application of this technique to these elements. The challenges include the limited k‐range available for the analysis due to the superposition of L‐edges on the EXAFS, multielectron excitations (MEEs) creating erroneous peaks in the EXAFS and the presence of inequivalent absorption sites. Herein, we removed MEEs to model the local atomic environment more accurately for light Ln oxides. Further, we investigated the use of cubic and non‐cubic lattice expansion to minimize the fitting parameters needed and connect the fitting parameters to physically meaningful crystal parameters. The cubic expansion reduced the number of fitting parameters but resulted in a statistically worse fit. The non‐cubic expansion resulted in a similar quality fit and showed non‐isotropic expansion in the crystal lattice of Nd2O3. In total, the EXAFS spectra and the fits for the entire set of Ln oxides (excluding promethium) are included. The knowledge developed here can assist in the structural determination of a wide variety of Ln compounds and can further studies on their structure–property relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self‐harm and suicide related behaviours are increasing in young people, and clinical support is not adequately meeting needs. Improved approaches to assessment and the clinical management of self‐harm will result from codesign processes and include greater shared decision‐making between young people and practitioners. The CaTS‐App (an adapted digital version of the existing Card‐Sort Task for Self‐harm research tool) aims to facilitate a collaborative understanding of adolescent self‐harm and support decision‐making within clinical settings. The codevelopment of a digital, clinical tool which meets the needs of multiple stakeholders requires careful consideration. Methods: We present a case‐study describing the participatory aspects of the development of the CaTS‐App, which included comprehensive patient involvement, research activities and coproduction with diverse young people aged 17–24 with lived experience of self‐harm. We share our processes and activities to deliver safe, engaging, sustainable, ethical and responsible participatory practice and co‐created knowledge, in the codevelopment of the CaTS‐App. Results: Activities spanned a 48‐month period in both face‐to‐face and online settings. Example processes and activities are provided in narrative, tabular and diagrammatic form, alongside discussion of the rationale for choices made. A summary methodology is also shared to stimulate continued discussion and development of participatory approaches in digital mental health. Conclusions: The paper contributes important insight and practical detail for the delivery of genuine participatory processes in digital mental health development when working with a population who may be considered vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]