Search

Due to the difficult access of the electrolyte into the nanoconfined space of nanoporous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrodes, achieving the optimal electrochemical performance of these devices becomes a challenge. In this work, the dynamics of interfacial‐governed phenomena are investigated during a voltage‐controlled electrochemical activation of nanoporous rGO electrodes that leads to an enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of areal capacitance and electrochemical impedance. In situ/operando characterization techniques are used to reveal the dynamics of the irreversible material changes introduced during the activation process, including ionic diffusion and water confinement within the nanopores, along with the reduction of oxygenated groups and the decrease of the rGO interlayer distance. Furthermore, operando techniques are used to uncover the origin of the complex polarization‐dependent dynamic response of rGO electrodes. The study reveals that the reversible protonation/deprotonation of remaining functional groups and the cation electro‐adsorption/desorption process in the graphene basal plane govern the pseudocapacitive performance of nanoporous rGO electrodes. This work brings new understanding of the complex interplay between surface chemistry, ion confinement, and desolvation processes occurring during electrochemical cycling in nanoporous rGO electrodes, offering new insights for designing high‐performing electrodes based on nanoporous rGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) is a key target on multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This multi‐centre, Phase 1, single‐agent study (NCT04000282) investigated SAR442085, a novel fragment crystallisable (Fc)‐modified anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb), with enhanced affinity towards Fc‐gamma receptor on effector cells in patients with relapsed and/or refractory (RR) MM. Methods: This study comprised two parts: Part‐A (dose‐escalation involving anti‐CD38 mAb pre‐treated and naïve patients) and Part‐B (dose expansion). Primary endpoints were maximum tolerated dose and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Results: Thirty‐seven heavily pre‐treated patients were treated in Part A. Part‐B (dose‐expansion) was not studied. Seven dose‐limiting toxicities were reported at DL3, DL5, DL6, and DL7. RP2D was determined to be 5–7·5 mg/kg. Most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were infusion‐related reactions in 70·3% (26/37) patients. Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia was reported in 48·6% (18/37). Overall response rate was 70% in anti‐CD38 mAb naïve and 4% in anti‐CD38 pre‐treated patients, with a median progression‐free survival of 7·62 (95%CI: 2·858; not calculable) months and 2·79 (95%CI: 1·150; 4·172) months and, respectively. Conclusions: The efficacy of SAR442085 was promising in anti‐CD38 mAb naïve patients but did not extend to the larger cohort of anti‐CD38 mAb pre‐treated patients. This observation, along with transient high‐grade thrombocytopenia, could potentially limit its clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical trials and real‐life data have reported an increased incidence of conjunctivitis in patients treated with dupilumab for their atopic dermatitis (AD). Although mostly mild in severity, in some cases conjunctivitis will appear or increase after dupilumab initiation, which can lead to dupilumab discontinuation. Objectives: (1) To describe the characteristics of patients developing conjunctivitis requiring discontinuation of dupilumab; and (2) to analyse the factors associated with a complete conjunctivitis improvement after dupilumab discontinuation and a switch to tralokinumab or Janus kinase inhibitors. Methods: This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study that included all patients with AD treated with dupilumab who developed conjunctivitis leading to dupilumab discontinuation and switching to tralokinumab or Janus kinase inhibitors in daily practice. Data on patients, their AD and conjunctivitis were analysed at the inclusion visit (corresponding to discontinuation of dupilumab and the institution of new AD treatment), at visit 2 (3–6 months after inclusion) and at visit 3 (corresponding to the last medical visit). Results: After multivariate analysis, the only factors associated with a complete resolution of dupilumab‐associated conjunctivitis at visit 2 and/or visit 3 were conjunctivitis duration (OR 8.98, 95% CI 1.47–55) (p = 0.018), personal history of asthma (OR 10.66, 95% CI 1.82–62.63) (p = 0.009) and switching from dupilumab to Janus kinase inhibitors (OR 17.11, 95% CI 2.94–99.66) (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Although uncommon, severe dupilumab‐associated conjunctivitis is more frequent in daily life compared to its incidence in the dupilumab pivotal trials. In these cases, our study suggests that a rapid switch to another molecule, particularly a Janus kinase inhibitor, should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is an emerging diagnostic tool with imaging depth reaching ~400 μm and a novel three‐dimensional (3D) cube providing cellular resolution. As far as we are aware, there are only a limited number of papers that have reported diagnostic criteria for melanocytic lesions using this technique, and none of them have been multicentric. Objectives: Our aim was to establish the diagnostic criteria for melanocytic lesions using LC‐OCT and identify the most significant architectural and cytologic features associated with malignancy. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 80 consecutive melanocytic lesions from a prospective multicentric data set spanning three European centres was conducted. We excluded facial, acral and mucosal lesions from the study. Dermoscopic and LC‐OCT images were evaluated by a consensus of four observers. Multivariate logistic regression with backward elimination was employed. Results: The main melanoma diagnostic criteria include detecting >10 pagetoid cells in 3D acquisition, irregular 3D epidermal architecture, disrupted dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) and clefting. Significant risk factors were irregular 3D epidermal architecture, >10 pagetoid cells, dendritic cells at DEJ without underlying inflammation. Novel malignancy criteria in vertical view were DEJ disruption and clefting around atypical melanocyte nests. Exclusive melanoma features were epidermal nests, epidermal consumption, dense dermal nests with atypia. Protective features in the absence of any malignancy indicators were DEJ ring pattern, cobblestone, elongated rete ridges (vertical), well‐defined DEJ and wave pattern (vertical). Conclusions: A series of diagnostic criteria for the identification of melanocytic lesions with LC‐OCT have been established. Validation of these criteria in clinical practice through future studies is essential to further establish their utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Therapeutic strategies for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) have considerably improved during the last 10 years. The IFM2014‐03 trial proposed an all‐oral triplet induction/consolidation regimen in transplant‐eligible NDMM patients, followed by lenalidomide maintenance. Induction consisted of three 21‐day cycles of ixazomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRd), before high‐dose Melphalan with transplant followed by eight 28‐day cycles of IRd consolidation before 13 cycles of lenalidomide maintenance. Forty‐six patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of therapy, and 39 entered the maintenance phase. The primary end‐point was stringent complete response after consolidation, and was achieved in nine patients (20.9%, 90% CI 11.4–33.7; p = 0.998). Ten patients (24.4%) had an undetectable minimal residual disease. The overall response rate was 95.7%. The 3‐year progression‐free survival was 66.3%. No unexpected toxicities were recorded, and only eight patients suspended from any study drug. Of note, 21 (45.7%) patients reported peripheral neuropathy (PN) (grades 1–2 with no serious adverse events). IRd induction and consolidation with transplant before lenalidomide maintenance shows lower response rates compared to other triplet therapies. It could be an alternative for patients who require an all‐oral regimen and/or with pre‐existent PN, especially if quadruplet regimens including anti‐CD38 antibody are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the higher initial costs compared to projectors, long‐term benefits make LED video walls preferable for modern video conferencing needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IMAGE is a retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in early access programs (EAPs) in France with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving isatuximab with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Isa‐Pd). Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years with RRMM who received ≥1 dose of Isa under the EAPs between July 29, 2019 and August 30, 2020 were included. Effectiveness endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS) and response rates. Verbatim terms for adverse events (AEs) were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities and not graded for severity. Results: A total of 294 and 299 patients were included in the effectiveness and safety populations, respectively. IMAGE included patients who received one prior line of treatment (10.2%) and were daratumumab‐refractory (19.1%). At median follow‐up of 14.2 months, median PFS in the effectiveness population was 12.4 months (95% CI 9.0–15.0). Overall response and very good partial response rates were 46.3% and 27.9%, respectively. Subgroup analyses reflected similar results. In the safety population, 26.4% of patients reported at least one AE; the most common any‐grade AE was neutropenia (9.4%). Conclusion: IMAGE demonstrated Isa‐Pd had meaningful effectiveness in median PFS and depth of response and no new safety signals in a real‐world context, consistent with clinical trial results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemistry module has been implemented in Geant4‐DNA since Geant4 version 10.1 to simulate the radiolysis of water after irradiation. It has been used in a number of applications, including the calculation of G‐values and early DNA damage, allowing the comparison with experimental data. Since the first version, numerous modifications have been made to the module to improve the computational efficiency and extend the simulation to homogeneous kinetics in bulk solution. With these new developments, new applications have been proposed and released as Geant4 examples, showing how to use chemical processes and models. This work reviews the models implemented and application developments for modeling water radiolysis in Geant4‐DNA as reported in the ESA BioRad III Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide‐cel), a chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy targeting B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA), received early access program (EAP) authorization in France in April 2021 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We conducted a real‐world registry‐based multicentre observational study in 11 French hospitals to evaluate ide‐cel outcomes. Data from 176 RRMM patients who underwent apheresis between June 2021 and November 2022 were collected from the French national DESCAR‐T registry. Of these, 159 patients (90%) received ide‐cel. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 90% with 2% grade ≥3, and neurotoxicity occurred in 12% with 3% grade ≥3. Over the first 6 months, the best overall response and ≥complete response rates were 88% and 47% respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) from the ide‐cel infusion was 12.5 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 20.8 months and the estimated OS rate at 12 months was 73.3%. Patients with extra‐medullary disease (EMD) had impaired PFS (6.2 months vs. 14.8 months). On multivariable analysis, EMD and previous exposure to BCMA‐targeted immunoconjugate or T‐cell‐redirecting GPRC5D bispecific antibody were associated with inferior PFS. Our study supports ide‐cel's feasibility, safety and efficacy in real‐life settings, emphasizing the importance of screening for EMD and considering prior treatments to optimize patient selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Multilesional basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are spread on sun exposed skin areas, including arms, face and back. The first‐line treatment remains the surgical resection or Mohs surgery. Despite its high complexity, Mohs surgery is well practiced in USA and Germany and presents very good results both in esthetic and in carcinology point of view. Large lesions more than 2 cm remain challenging to remove by topical cream used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). If these larger lesions are not treated in less than 1 month, they could grow deeply in the skin, thus enhancing the risk of reoccurrence and the severity of the disease. Despite this model herein studied, that is non melanoma skin cancer is a good prognostic cancer, the therapy aims to be applied to more aggressive melanoma skin cancers. Aim: Total regression of large cutaneous lesions less than 1 month with no reoccurrence. Approach: Tumor induction on murine model bearing a 500 mm3 subcutaneous lesion. Increasing dose of gold nanoparticles at fixed initial concentration C0 = 0.3 mg/mL, infused into the tumor then exposition of the region of interest to NIR medical laser to assess the therapy. One or two intratumoral administration(s) were compared to surgery and control, that is no treatment, laser alone or nanoparticles alone. Results: Gold nanoparticles alone or the NIR laser alone did not induce the tumor regression. The combination of laser and nanoparticles called plasmonic nanophotothermal therapy induced apoptosis. Derma and hypoderm do not show any visible gold nanoparticles and demonstrated a good cicatrization process. Conclusion: Plasmonic nanophotothermal therapy using two doses of gold nanoparticles was the only protocol that proved its efficacy on large lesions in 14 days, that is 500 mm3 on a murine model bearing human basal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Little is known about malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) complicating the metastatic spread of non‐bronchogenic solid cancers (NBC) and their bronchoscopic management. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of this population and determine prognostic factors before therapeutic bronchoscopy (TB). Methods: In this multicenter study using the EpiGETIF registry, we analysed patients treated with TB for MCAO caused by NBC between January 2019 and December 2022. Results: From a database of 2389 patients, 436 patients (18%) with MCAO and NBC were identified. After excluding patients with direct local invasion, 214 patients (8.9%) were analysed. The main primaries involved were kidney (17.8%), colon (16.4%), sarcoma (15.4%), thyroid (8.9%) and head and neck (7.9%) cancers. Most patients (63.8%) had already received one or more lines of systemic treatment. Obstructions were purely intrinsic in 58.2%, extrinsic in 11.1% and mixed in 30.8%. Mechanical debulking was used in 73.4% of cases, combined with thermal techniques in 25.6% of cases. Airway stenting was required in 38.4% of patients. Median survival after TB was 11.2 months, influenced by histology (p = 0.002), performance status (p = 0.019), initial hypoxia (HR 1.45 [1.01–2.18]), prior oncologic treatment received (HR 1.82 [1.28–2.56], p < 0.001) and assessment of success at the end of the procedure (HR 0.66 [0.44–0.99], p < 0.001). Complications rate was 8.8%, mostly mild, with no procedure‐related mortality. Conclusion: TB for MCAO caused by a NBC metastasis provides rapid improvement of symptoms and prolonged survival. Patients should be promptly referred by medical oncologists for bronchoscopic management based on the prognostic factors identified. Therapeutic bronchoscopy for central airway obstructions caused by non‐bronchogenic cancers provides rapid improvement of symptoms. Median survival after TB (11.2 months) is influenced by histology, performance status, initial hypoxia, prior oncologic treatment received and immediate success of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytes play an essential role in electrochemical energy storage devices. Liquid electrolytes have good ionic conductivity but tend to be flammable, prompting some of the safety concerns that are associated with these devices. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are presented as a potential solution to this problem. These materials have higher mechanical stability and can be formulated to be non‐flammable. However, ionic conductivity in solid polymer electrolytes tends to be several orders of magnitude lower than that of liquid electrolytes, significantly limiting device performance making electrolyte safety and performance difficult to optimize simultaneously. However, gel electrolytes which combine lower flammability, higher mechanical strength, and adequate ionic conductivity may present a solution to this challenge. To this end, the melt processing of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) with poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC) followed by the in situ formation of ethylene carbonate (EC) is reported. Conversion of PEC to EC is confirmed via NMR spectroscopy. Electrochemical testing reveals improved ionic conductivity following the conversion of the solid polymer electrolyte to the gel polymer electrolyte. Improvements in ionic conductivity, relative to the initial SPE, are attributed to decreased salt‐polymer interactions in favor of salt‐EC interactions as observed via differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amalgamation of Laurentia was initiated along the western margin of the Rae craton. However, the tectonic setting that generated magmatic rocks along this margin has long been debated, with the Thelon tectonic zone in the north having formed in an arc setting, and the Taltson magmatic zone in the south variably attributed to either continental arc or intracratonic magmatism. The magmatic rocks of the Great Slave Lake shear zone (GSLsz) lie between these two tectonic belts and, thus, may be critical to the interpretation of the evolution of the western Rae margin. To understand the origin of the rocks in the GSLsz, we have applied U‐Pb geochronology, trace‐element geochemistry, and O and Hf isotope analyses to zircons from a suite of samples that transect the La Loche River fault (LRf)—a major structure that bisects the GSLsz. Samples collected to the north of the LRf are Neoarchean in age, have mantle‐like δ18O (4.7–5.8‰) and chondritic to juvenile εHf values (0–4.5), whereas those to the south are exclusively Paleoproterozoic in age and have more elevated δ18O (6.3–7‰) and much more evolved εHf values (−12 to −6); these results indicate that the LRf marks a crustal‐scale suture between the Slave craton and the Taltson magmatic zone. Our isotopic data, together with other regional constraints from the area, are most consistent with the Taltson magmatic zone having formed in a continental arc setting emplaced into ca. 2.3 Ga juvenile basement crust. Plain Language Summary: The amalgamation of the Canadian Shield was initiated along the western margin of the Rae craton, one of the principal Archean landmasses. The rocks along the Great Slave Lake shear zone (GSLsz) are situated between the Thelon tectonic zone in the north and the Taltson magmatic zone in the south, two magmatic belts with debated tectonic histories. We use U‐Pb geochronology and oxygen and hafnium isotopes in zircon to understand the origin of rocks along GSLsz. To the north of the La Loche fault, one of the main structures within the GSLsz, rocks are Neoarchean in age with oxygen and hafnium isotopic values similar to that of the Slave craton, while those to the south are exclusively Paleoproterozoic in age with similarities to the Taltson magmatic zone. The La Loche River fault, thus, marks a significant boundary between the Slave craton and the Taltson magmatic zone. The isotope results also suggest that the Taltson magmatic zone formed in an arc setting, providing refinement to the tectonic model invoked for the formation of the Canadian Shield. Key Points: U‐Pb ages together with oxygen and hafnium isotopes are effective at characterizing the contrasting geology across major structuresThe La Loche River Fault is a crustal‐scale structure separating the Slave craton from the Taltson magmatic zoneThe geochronology and isotopic data presented herein are most consistent with the Taltson magmatic zone having formed in an arc setting [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The detection of cutaneous metastases (CMs) from various primary tumours represents a diagnostic challenge. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the general characteristics and dermatoscopic features of CMs from different primary tumours. Methods: Retrospective, multicentre, descriptive, cross‐sectional study of biopsy‐proven CMs. Results: We included 583 patients (247 females, median age: 64 years, 25%–75% percentiles: 54–74 years) with 632 CMs, of which 52.2% (n = 330) were local, and 26.7% (n = 169) were distant. The most common primary tumours were melanomas (n = 474) and breast cancer (n = 59). Most non‐melanoma CMs were non‐pigmented (n = 151, 95.6%). Of 169 distant metastases, 54 (32.0%) appeared on the head and neck region. On dermatoscopy, pigmented melanoma metastases were frequently structureless blue (63.6%, n = 201), while amelanotic metastases were typified by linear serpentine vessels and a white structureless pattern. No significant difference was found between amelanotic melanoma metastases and CMs of other primary tumours. Conclusions: The head and neck area is a common site for distant CMs. Our study confirms that most pigmented melanoma metastasis are structureless blue on dermatoscopy and may mimic blue nevi. Amelanotic metastases are typified by linear serpentine vessels and a white structureless pattern, regardless of the primary tumour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an original survey, we probe Canadians' evaluation of the performance of their healthcare system and their attribution of the blame for the system's problems. We show that more vulnerable and left‐wing respondents are more likely to believe that the system is in crisis. In turn, respondents having negative performance evaluations are more likely to blame poor provincial organization rather than insufficient federal funding. Perceiving that the system is in crisis and that poor organization is the main problem are associated with support for the imposition of national standards by the federal government as a condition for additional healthcare transfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: EpiGETIF is a web‐based, multicentre clinical database created in 2019 aiming for prospective collection of data regarding therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy (TB) for malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO). Methods: Patients were enrolled into the registry from January 2019 to November 2022. Data were prospectively entered through a web‐interface, using standardized definitions for each item. The objective of this first extraction of data was to describe the population and the techniques used among the included centres to target, facilitate and encourage further studies in TB. Results: Overall, 2118 patients from 36 centres were included. Patients were on average 63.7 years old, mostly male and smokers. Most patients had a WHO score ≤2 (70.2%) and 39.6% required preoperative oxygen support, including mechanical ventilation in 6.7%. 62.4% had an already known histologic diagnosis but only 46.3% had received any oncologic treatment. Most tumours were bronchogenic (60.6%), causing mainly intrinsic or mixed obstruction (43.3% and 41.5%, respectively). Mechanical debulking was the most frequent technique (67.3%), while laser (9.8%) and cryo‐recanalization (2.7%) use depended on local expertise. Stenting was required in 54.7%, silicone being the main type of stent used (55.3%). 96.3% of procedure results were considered at least partially successful, resulting in a mean 4.1 points decrease on the Borg scale of dyspnoea. Complications were noted in 10.9%. Conclusion: This study exposes a high volume of TB that could represent a good source of future studies given the dismal amount of data about the effects of TB in certain populations and situations. The EpiGETIF registry has so far prospectively collected data from 2118 patients treated with therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy (TB) for malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO). This first report gives a picture of this population's epidemiological characteristics', anatomical presentations of MCAOs, techniques used during TB and main outcomes. See relatededitorial [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early melanoma detection is the main factor affecting prognosis and survival. For that reason, non‐invasive technologies have been developed to provide a more accurate diagnosis. Recently, line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) was developed to provide an in vivo, imaging device, with deep penetration and cellular resolution in three dimensions. Combining the advantages of conventional OCT and reflectance confocal microscopy, this tool seems to be particularly suitable for melanocytic lesions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the correlation between specific dermoscopic criteria and LC‐OCT features in three dimensions associated with melanocytic lesions. Methods: Dermoscopic and LC‐OCT images of 126 melanocytic lesions were acquired in three different centres. The following dermoscopic criteria have been considered: reticular pattern, dots and globules, structureless areas, blue‐whitish veil, regression structures, negative network, homogeneous pattern, streaks and blotches. Results: 69 (55%) benign and 57 (45%) malignant lesions were analysed. A regular reticular pattern was found associated in the 75% of the cases with the presence of elongated rete ridges with pigmented cells along the basal layer, while atypical reticular pattern showed an irregular organization of rete ridges with melanocytic hyperplasia, broadened and fused ridges and elongated nests. Both typical and atypical dots and globules were found associated with melanocytic nests in the dermis or at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ), as well as with keratin cysts/pseudocysts. Grey globules corresponded to the presence of melanin‐containing dermal inflammatory cells (melanophages) within the papillae. Structureless brown/black areas correlated with alterations of the DEJ. We observed the same DEJ alterations, but with the presence of dermal melanophages, in 36% of the cases of blue/white/grey structureless areas. A description of each LC‐OCT/dermoscopy correlation was made. Conclusions: LC‐OCT permitted for the first time to perform an in vivo, 3D correlation between dermoscopic criteria and pathological‐like features of melanocytic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data science methodologies can be utilized to ascertain and analyze clinical genetic data that is often unstructured and rarely used outside of patient encounters. Genetic variants from all genetic testing resulting to a large pediatric healthcare system for a 5‐year period were obtained and reinterpreted utilizing the previously validated Franklin© Artificial Intelligence (AI). Using PowerBI©, the data were further matched to patients in the electronic healthcare record to associate with demographic data to generate a variant data table and mapped by ZIP codes. Three thousand and sixty‐five variants were identified and 98% were matched to patients with geographic data. Franklin© changed the interpretation for 24% of variants. One hundred and fifty‐six clinically actionable variant reinterpretations were made. A total of 739 Mendelian genetic disorders were identified with disorder prevalence estimation. Mapping of variants demonstrated hot‐spots for pathogenic genetic variation such as PEX6‐associated Zellweger Spectrum Disorder. Seven patients were identified with Bardet‐Biedl syndrome and seven patients with Rett syndrome amenable to newly FDA‐approved therapeutics. Utilizing readily available software we developed a database and Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) methodology enabling us to systematically reinterpret variants, estimate variant prevalence, identify conditions amenable to new treatments, and localize geographies enriched for pathogenic variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dermoscopic diagnosis of amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (AHLM/LMM) may be very difficult in its early stages because of lack of pigment. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an imaging technique that is especially helpful for the diagnosis of lentigo maligna. To determine the diagnostic performances of dermoscopy and RCM in the diagnosis of AHLM/LMMs we evaluated dermoscopic and RCM images of consecutive cases of histopathologically confirmed AHLM/LMMs, amelanotic/hypomelanotic basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (AHBCCs/AHSCCs), amelanotic/hypomelanotic benign lesions (AHBLs), and actinic keratoses (AKs) from five participating centers. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, predictive values, and level of diagnosis confidence were calculated for both diagnostic procedures. Both dermoscopy and RCM showed diagnostic performance >97% in the diagnosis of AHLM/LMMs versus AHBCC/AHSCCs and their combination slightly improved diagnostic performance, with accuracy increasing from 98.0% to 99.1%. Similarly, RCM in combination with dermoscopy showed a tiny increase in the diagnostic performance in the diagnosis of AHLM/LMMs versus AHBLs (accuracy increased from 87.2% to 88.8%) and versus AKs (accuracy increased from 91.4% to 93.4%). Although the increase in diagnostic performance due to RCM was modest, the combination of dermoscopy and RCM greatly increased the level of confidence; high confidence in the diagnosis of AHLM/LMMs versus AHBLs increased from 36.2% with dermoscopy alone to 76.6% with dermoscopy plus RMC. Based on our results, dermoscopy and RCM should be complementary to improve not only diagnostic accuracy but also the level of diagnostic certainty in the diagnosis of AHLM/LMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the development and the characterization of an all‐solid‐state symmetrical and current collector‐free microsupercapacitor based on a new reduced graphene oxide‐polydopamine (rGO‐PDA) composite are reported. The rGO‐PDA composite is synthesized by a facile, eco‐friendly and scalable hydrothermal approach in the presence of dopamine which can not only contribute to the oxygen functional groups removal from graphene oxide but also polymerize onto the rGO sheets reducing their restacking and improving the wettability of the electrode. The optimized rGO‐PDA composite material exhibits excellent capacitance and cycling stability as well as an improved rate capability compared to the pristine rGO in Na2SO4 solution. This performance enhancement can be linked to the higher transfer kinetic and lower transfer resistance values of the ions involved in the charge storage process of rGO‐PDA, as determined by ac‐electrogravimetry. Furthermore, an all‐solid‐state microsupercapacitor was prepared employing the optimized rGO‐PDA composite as electrode material. Interdigitated electrodes were obtained thanks to a CO2 laser and a Na2SO4/PVA hydrogel was employed, no current collector was used. This device achieves a noteworthy energy density of 6.2 mWh ⋅ cm−3 at a power density of 0.22 W ⋅ cm−3. Moreover, it exhibits exceptional cycling stability, retaining 104 % of its initial capacity even after undergoing 10,000 cycles at 2 V ⋅ s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyse and compare patients' and healthcare professionals' (HPs) perspectives concerning patient care pathways for painful osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: We performed a qualitative study of two focus groups corresponding to eight patients with painful OA and eight HPs involved in OA management. Results: Six key themes emerged from the interviews: (1) representations of OA, (2) OA pain, (3) quality of life, (4) care pathways, (5) actors involved in the care pathway, and (6) treatments. Both groups considered general practitioners, pharmacists and physiotherapists to be first‐line HPs, and no well‐defined OA specialist was identified. Patients and HPs reported similar difficulties concerning the adaptation of management to individual cases, late diagnosis and treatment, whereas only patients mentioned financial issues. Communication difficulties were identified as a major problem both between patients and HPs, and between HPs. Patients reported a lack of knowledge concerning pain and OA. The coordination between the various HPs is required, with education on both pain and OA. Several possible solutions were put forward by both patients and HPs. Conclusion: The care pathways of patients with painful OA are complex, with an unclear definition of the roles of the various HPs and suboptimal coordination. The role of HPs should be defined and collaboration between HPs developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical pigmented facial lesions (aPFLs)—including lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), solar lentigo (SL), pigmented actinic keratosis (PAK), atypical nevi (AN), seborrheic keratosis (SK) and lichen planus‐like keratosis (LPLK)—can exhibit clinical and dermoscopic overlapping features. We aimed to investigate if and how 14 dermoscopic features suggestive for the aforementioned aPFLs vary according to six facial sites among 1197 aPFLs cases (excised to rule out malignancy) along with lesion and patients' metadata. According to distribution and association analysis, aPFLs on the forehead of a male patient aged > 69 years displaying the obliterated follicular openings pattern, appear to be more at risk of malignancy. Of converse, aPFLs of the orbital/cheek/nose area with evident and regular follicular openings with diameter < 10 mm in a female aged below 68 are probably benign. The obliterated follicular openings, keratin plugs, evident and regular follicular openings and target‐like pattern features differed significantly among six facial areas in all aPFLs cases. Lesion of the nose may show both features suggestive of malignancy and benignity (e.g. many SL and PAK may display target‐like pattern and some LM/LMM cases display keratin plugs and evident and follicular openings), making these features less specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a new dermoscopic criterion for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) called "negative maple-leaf-like areas" (NMLLAs). NMLLAs are round, nonpigmented structures with a whitish background and well-defined borders. They are associated with superficial BCC and correspond to non-pigmented tumor nests at the dermal-epidermal junction level. The article also introduces a new technology called line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), which combines the advantages of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and conventional OCT. LC-OCT allows for a precise correlation of dermoscopic criteria with skin images. The article presents a case study that demonstrates the correlation between NMLLAs seen in dermoscopy and hemispheric BCC lobules observed with LC-OCT. The use of LC-OCT may help clinicians identify NMLLAs, which can be difficult to recognize. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. [Extracted from the article]

The simple and eco‐friendly preparation of microsupercapacitor remains a great challenge. Here are presented the preparation and the characterizations of an all‐solid symmetric micro‐supercapacitor based on a new composite formed of highly ordered graphene sheets due to the presence of polydopamine between the layers, which present a d‐spacing of 0.356 nm. This graphene‐polydopamine composite is prepared by electroreduction of graphene oxide (GO) followed by the electrooxidation of dopamine added into the initial solution, i.e., after GO reduction. In Na2SO4 solution, this composite material shows excellent capacitance and stability even at a high scan rate (2 V s−1) and a very low relaxation time (τ0) of 62 ms. This value is in very good agreement with the high transfer kinetic and low transfer resistance values of the ions implied in the charge storage process (Na+·2H2O and Na+) determined by ac‐electrogravimetry. Finally, it is shown that the all‐solid micro‐supercapacitor (interdigitated electrodes obtained using a CO2 laser and Na2SO4/PVA hydrogel) prepared with this new composite delivers a remarkable energy density of 6.36 mWh cm−3 for a power density of 0.22 W cm−3 and exhibits excellent cycling stability (98% of retention after 10 000 cycles at 2 V s−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dermoscopic predictors of lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) have been recently reported, but these have not been reported in reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Objectives: (i) To validate dermoscopic predictors for LM/LMM, (ii) to identify RCM patterns in LM and LMM, and (iii) correlations between dermoscopic and RCM features in LM and LMM. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multicentre study of consecutive lesions with histologically proven LM or LMM subtypes of the head and face, with complete sets of dermoscopic and RCM images. Results: A total of 180 lesions were included (n = 40 LMM). Previously reported differential dermoscopic features for LM subtypes were confirmed. Other features significantly associated with LMM diagnosis included irregular hyperpigmented areas, shiny white streaks, atypical vessels and light brown colour at dermoscopy and medusa head‐like structures, dermal nests and nucleated cells within the papillae at RCM (p < 0.05). Correlations among LM lesions between dermoscopic and RCM features included brown to‐grey dots and atypical cells (epidermis), grey colour and inflammation and obliterated follicles and medusa head‐like structures. Among LMM lesions, significant correlations included obliterated follicles with folliculotropism, both irregular hyperpigmented areas and irregular blotches with widespread atypical cell distribution (epidermis), dermal nests and nucleated cells within the papillae (dermis). Irregular blotches were also associated with medusa head‐like structures (dermal epidermal junction [DEJ]). Conclusions: Dermoscopic and RCM features can assist in the in vivo identification of LM and LMM and many are correlated. RCM three‐dimensional analysis of skin layers allows the identification of invasive components in the DEJ and dermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scale bar = 100 m. Tumour lobule, defined under LC-OCT as roundish, elongated and hemispheric tumour island corresponds to RCM bright tumour island or dark silhouette. Dear Editor, Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) are non-invasive imaging techniques that can help the clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).[[1], [3], [5]] Although LC-OCT and RCM have been compared for the identification of squamous cell carcinomas,[4] no comparative studies on BCC diagnostic criteria are available. Our results confirm that both RCM and LC-OCT can help in the non-invasive identification of BCC with an excellent agreement for the presence of tumour lobules in all of their characterizations. [Extracted from the article]

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to differentiate infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (iBCC) from scar-like lesions. This study describes the LC-OCT features of scar-like lesions and demonstrates that the absence of typical BCC lobules and the presence of dense collagen fibers in the dermis can be used as criteria to rule out iBCC. LC-OCT can enhance the differential diagnosis of BCC and should be included in the diagnostic process to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. However, it is important to note that LC-OCT may have limitations in detecting unusually deep tumors. [Extracted from the article]

Finally, we diagnosed a VEXAS syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination. VEXAS syndrome following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination Dear Editor, VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles in myeloid progenitors, E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory manifestations and somatic) is a recently described adult-onset autoinflammatory disease.[1] A 76-year-old man was vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 with the Tozinameran/BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) on 1 April 2021. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, fast controlled precipitation (FCP) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods were performed to evaluate the influence of the magnetic treatment at 0.70 T, upon the scale formation in synthetic solutions (hardness 25 °F), exposed to a static magnetic field for different exposure times. According to FCP results, homogeneous CaCO3 precipitation rates in treated solution were lower than those in the absence of the magnetic field. It has been found that the memory effect can last up to 24 h after the magnetic treatment even if it decreases over time. As purpose of comparison, CA method was applied to investigate the influence of the magnetic treatment on heterogeneous CaCO3 precipitation. The magnetic field effect increased with the increasing exposure time. The obtained scale, characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, was formed by a mixture of calcite and aragonite in the presence of magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a bi‐directed graph modeling a telecommunication network, and a set of origin‐destination pairs representing traffic requests (commodities) along with their associated Service Function Chains (SFCs), the Virtual Network Function Placement and Routing Problem (VNFPRP) aims to find, for each commodity, one latency‐constrained routing path that visits the required Virtual Network Functions in a specific order. The function installation costs together with the node activation costs have to be minimized. In this paper, we present two extended Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) formulations to model the VNFPRP. For each formulation we define the master problem, the pricing problem, the associated Lagrangian bound and a specific branching scheme, in order to derive an efficient Branch‐and‐Price algorithm. We also provide several families of valid inequalities to strengthen the LP‐relaxation bounds. Computational results are reported comparing the performance of the two Branch‐and‐Price algorithms with a compact MIP formulation and its Branch‐and‐Benders‐cut implementation on a set of SNDlib instances representing telecommunication networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean skin is composed of thin interfacial microlayers of temperature and mass of less than 1 mm where heat and chemical exchanges are controlled by molecular diffusion. It is characterized by a cooling of ∼−0.2 K and an increase in salinity of ∼0.1 g/kg (absolute salinity) relative to the water below. A surface observation‐based air‐sea CO2 flux estimate considering the variation of the CO2 concentration in these microlayers has been shown to lead to an increase in the global ocean sink of the anthropogenic CO2 by +0.4 PgC yr−1 (15% of the global sink). This study analyzes this effect in more details using a 15‐year (2000–2014) simulation from an Earth System Model (ESM) that incorporates a physical representation of the ocean surface layers (diurnal warm layer and rain lenses) and microlayers. Results show that considering the microlayers increases the simulated global ocean carbon sink by +0.26 to +0.37 PgC yr−1 depending on assumptions on the chemical equilibrium. This is indeed about 15% of the global sink (2.04 PgC yr−1) simulated by the ESM. However, enabling the ocean skin adjustment to feedback on ocean carbon concentrations reduces this increase to only +0.13 (±0.09) PgC y−1. Coupled models underestimate the ocean carbon sink by ∼5% if the ocean skin effect is not included. Plain Language Summary: The ocean skin is a thin layer of less than a millimeter that is in contact with the atmosphere, where the heat and chemical exchanges are controlled by molecular diffusion. It typically corresponds to a temperature at the ocean interface that is cooler by −0.2 K than the water at a depth of a millimeter. It also corresponds to a salinity that is slightly higher at the interface. Taking into account these temperature and salinity changes in this thin layer can change calculations of the global ocean carbon sink substantially. We use a global Earth System Model including a representation of the ocean skin to study this impact. We found an increase of 15% in the simulated global ocean carbon sink. This is consistent with past studies. Enabling the flux to feedback on the ocean carbon concentration significantly reduces its impact. We conclude by discussing the uncertainties in the global ocean carbon sink associated with the formulation of the carbon flux and the representation of the ocean skin. Key Points: Considering the ocean skin increases the global ocean CO2 sink by +0.26 to +0.37 PgC yr−1 (∼15% for 2000–2014) in an Earth System ModelEnabling the ocean skin adjustment to feedback on ocean carbon concentrations dampens this increase to +0.13 PgC y−1 (∼5% for 2000–2014)This global adjustment depends on the CO2 flux formulation and ultimately on the model capacity to transfer CO2 into the ocean interior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Lenalidomide maintenance in myeloma is well established. Nevertheless, pomalidomide could provide an alternative. Myeloma patients in first relapse, initially treated in the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM) 2009 trial, and subsequently in the IFM 2013‐01 phase 2 trial, received four cycles of salvage therapy with pomalidomide plus cyclophosphamide plus dexamethasone (PCD) with transplantation plus 2 PCD consolidation or without transplantation but with 5 PCD and for all patients pomalidomide plus dexamethasone maintenance therapy. This consisted of 28‐day cycles of pomalidomide 4 mg daily on days 1–21 and dexamethasone 20 mg weekly until progression. The primary endpoint was an improved response to treatment. A total of 75/100 patients reached therapy. The median follow‐up time was 73 months. The median duration of treatment was 23.7 months. One third of patients improved their response from the initiation of treatment: 11%, 19% and 4% to a very good partial response, complete response or stringent complete response respectively. The median progression‐free survival time was 33.2 months and the median overall survival time was not reached. Among the 75 patients, the reasons for pomalidomide discontinuation were progressive disease (54%), adverse events (AEs) (30%), investigator discretion (11%) and consent withdrawal (5%). Grade (G) 3/4 haematological AEs included neutropenia (51%) and lymphopenia (35%); G3/4 drug‐related non‐haematological AEs (>5%) comprised 13% infections. Long‐term administration of pomalidomide and dexamethasone is feasible and one third of the patients improved their response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Resistance to potyviruses in plants has been largely provided by the selection of natural variant alleles of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF) 4E in many crops. However, the sources of such variability for breeding can be limited for certain crop species, while new virus isolates continue to emerge. Different methods of mutagenesis have been applied to inactivate the eIF4E genes to generate virus resistance, but with limited success due to the physiological importance of translation factors and their redundancy. Here, we employed genome editing approaches at the base level to induce non‐synonymous mutations in the eIF4E1 gene and create genetic diversity in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). We sequentially edited the genomic sequences coding for two regions of eIF4E1 protein, located around the cap‐binding pocket and known to be important for susceptibility to potyviruses. We show that the editing of only one of the two regions, by gene knock‐in and base editing, respectively, is not sufficient to provide resistance. However, combining amino acid mutations in both regions resulted in resistance to multiple potyviruses without affecting the functionality in translation initiation. Meanwhile, we report that extensive base editing in exonic region can alter RNA splicing pattern, resulting in gene knockout. Altogether our work demonstrates that precision editing allows to design plant factors based on the knowledge on evolutionarily selected alleles and enlarge the gene pool to potentially provide advantageous phenotypes such as pathogen resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Low baseline NK‐cell counts (NKCCs) in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are associated with a poor prognosis. The REMARC phase III trial (NCT01122472) showed that lenalidomide maintenance prolonged PFS in rituximab–chemotherapy responders. We conducted a REMARC ancillary study analysing the impact of lenalidomide maintenance on the prognostic value of low NKCCs. Blood samples from 335 elderly French patients enrolled in the REMARC trial were analysed by flow cytometry to obtain NKCCs at diagnosis (n = 220), at randomization (n = 186) and/or six months after randomization (n = 184). Baseline NKCCs < 100 cells/μl were associated with shorter PFS and OS (HRs = [2.2 (1.4, 3.3), p < 0.001] and [2.8 (1.7, 4.5), p < 0.001], respectively), independently of aaIPI. In a competing risk analysis, low NKCCs at baseline were associated with a higher risk of relapse/progression (p = 0.0025), but not of death without progression (p = 0.33). Lenalidomide did not affect the prognosis value of low baseline NKCCs (p = 0.6349). Similar results were obtained for low NKCCs at randomization. Our results demonstrate that low NKCCs at baseline and post rituximab–chemotherapy are robust prognostic factors in DLBCL and reveal that lenalidomide has no impact on this parameter. Other therapeutic strategies aiming at improving NK‐cell function could improve outcomes in DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unidirectional rotation of chemically crosslinked light‐driven molecular motors is shown to progressively shift the swelling equilibrium of hydrogels. The concentration of molecular motors and the initial strand density of the polymer network are key parameters to modulate the macroscopic contraction of the material, and both parameters can be tuned using polymer chains of different molecular weights. These findings led to the design of optimized hydrogels revealing a half‐time contraction of approximately 5 min. Furthermore, under inhomogeneous stimulation, the local contraction event was exploited to design useful bending actuators with an energy output 400 times higher than for previously reported self‐assembled systems involving rotary motors. In the present configuration, we measure that a single molecular motor can lift up loads of 200 times its own molecular weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee recommendations were essentially based on RA data, but AD patients are generally younger and not overweight. At visit 1, corresponding to JAKi initiation, patient and AD characteristics were recorded. Janus kinase inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Real-life data on efficacy and safety in light of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee recommended measures. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the advancements in dermatological imaging techniques, specifically focusing on high-resolution ultrasound (HR ultrasound). The author highlights the progress made in dermatological imaging over the past 50 years, from visual inspection to the use of handheld devices like dermatoscopy. In recent years, in vivo microscopic imaging using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become more prevalent. The article also mentions the development of new imaging devices, such as super-high magnification dermoscopy and fluorescence advanced dermoscopy, which offer lower prices and the ability to observe single skin cells. HR ultrasound is praised for its ability to visualize the deeper layers of the skin, which is important for diagnosing and managing conditions like basal cell carcinoma. The article concludes by suggesting that multi-scale and multi-modal dermatological imaging is the future of instrumental dermatology. [Extracted from the article]

There is growing evidence that the Earth's climate is undergoing profound changes that are affecting biodiversity worldwide. This gives rise to the pressing need to develop robust predictions on how species will respond in order to inform conservation strategies and allow managers to adapt mitigation measures accordingly. While predictions have begun to emerge on how species at the extremes of the so‐called slow‐fast continuum might respond to climate change, empirical studies for species for which all demographic traits contribute relatively equally to population dynamics are lacking. Yet, climate change is expected to strongly affect them throughout their entire lifecycle. We built a 21‐year integrated population model to characterize the population dynamics of the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) in France, and tested the influence of nine weather covariates on demographic parameters. As predicted, both annual survival and breeding success were affected by weather covariates. Thick snow cover during winter was associated with low survival and small brood size the following breeding season. Brood size was higher with intermediate winter temperatures and snowmelt timing, positively correlated to breeding period temperature, but negatively correlated to temperature during the coldest fortnight and precipitation during the breeding period. Survival was positively correlated to winter temperature, but negatively to breeding period precipitation. Large‐scale indices indicated that cold and wet winters were associated with small brood size the following breeding season but with high survival. Expected changes of weather conditions due to climate change are likely to impact demographic traits of the rock partridge both positively and negatively depending on the traits and on the affected weather variables. Future population dynamics will thus depend on the magnitude of these different impacts. Our study illustrates the difficulty to make strong predictions about how species with a population dynamic influenced by both survival and fecundity will respond to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma (AHLM/LMM) may be very difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Objectives: To quantify the predictive value of dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features for AHLM/LMM. Methods: Dermoscopic and RCM images of histopathologically diagnosed AHLM/LMM, amelanotic/hypomelanotic benign lesions (AHBL), and amelanotic/hypomelanotic basal and squamous cell carcinomas (AHBCC/AHSCC) of the head and neck from consecutive patients were retrospectively collected and blindly evaluated by three observers to assess presence or absence of dermoscopic and RCM criteria. Results: Overall, 224 lesions in 216 patients including LM/LMM (n = 55, 24.6%), AHBL (n = 107, 47.8%) and AHBCC/AHSCC (n = 62, 27.7%) were analysed. Multivariable analysis showed that milky‐red areas (OR = 5.46; 95% CI: 1.51–19.75), peripheral light brown structureless areas (OR = 19.10; 4.45–81.96), linear irregular vessels (OR = 5.44; 1.45–20.40), and asymmetric pigmented follicles (OR = 14.45; 2.77–75.44) at dermoscopy, and ≥3 atypical cells in five fields (OR = 10.12; 3.00–34.12) and focal follicular localization of atypical cells at dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) (OR = 10.48; 1.10–99.81) at RCM were significantly independent diagnostic factors for AHLM/LMM vs. AHBL. In comparison with AHBCC/AHSCC, peripheral light brown structureless area (OR = 7.11; 1.53–32.96), pseudonetwork around hair follicles (OR = 16.69; 2.73–102.07), and annular granular structures (OR = 42.36; 3.51–511.16) at dermoscopy and large dendritic (OR = 6.86; 3.15–38.28) and round pagetoid cells (OR = 26.78; 3.15–227.98) at RCM led to a significantly increased risk of diagnosing AHLM/LMM. Conclusions: Amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma may have the same dermoscopic features of AHM on other body sites, such as milky red areas, peripheral light brown structureless areas and linear irregular vessels. These features, asymmetric pigmented follicles and at RCM ≥ 3 atypical cells in five fields and focal follicular extension of atypical cells at DEJ may help in recognizing AHLM/LMM even when LM conventional features (e.g., obliteration of hair follicles under dermoscopy and large pagetoid cells under RCM) are absent or present only in very small areas of the lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic cat, Felis catus, is one of the most popular and widespread domestic animals. Because domestic cats can reach high population densities and retain at least some tendency to hunt, their overall impact on wildlife can be severe. Domestic cats have highly variable predation rates depending on the availability of prey in their environment, their owners' practices, and individual cat characteristics. Among these characteristics, cat personality has recently been hypothesized to be an important factor contributing to variations in the hunting activity of cats. In this study, we surveyed 2508 cat owners living in France about their cats' personalities, using the Feline Five personality framework, and the frequency with which cats bring home prey. Personality traits were analyzed using factor analysis and related to predation frequency using cumulative logit models. For both birds and small mammals, cats with high levels of extraversion or low levels of neuroticism had significantly higher frequencies of prey return. Owners whose cats had low levels of agreeableness or high levels of dominance reported a significantly lower frequency of bird return. Personality differences therefore seem to contribute to the high variability in predation rates among domestic cats. We also found that the owner‐reported prey return frequencies were significantly higher for cats spending more time outdoors, for non‐pedigree cats, and for owners living in rural or suburban areas as opposed to urban areas. By contrast, we did not detect an effect of cat sex or age on their reported prey return rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) are non‐invasive imaging devices that can help in the clinical diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). No studies are available on the comparison between these two technologies for the identification of the different features of keratinocyte skin tumours. Objectives: To compare RCM and LC‐OCT findings in AK and SCC. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted. Tumours were imaged with RCM and LC‐OCT devices before surgery, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histological examinations. LC‐OCT and RCM criteria for AK/SCC were identified, and their presence/absence was evaluated in all study lesions. Gwet AC1 concordance index was calculated to compare RCM and LC‐OCT. Results: We included 52 patients with 33 AKs and 19 SCCs. Irregular epidermis was visible in most tumours and with a good degree of agreement between RCM and LC‐OCT (Gwet's AC1 0.74). Parakeratosis, dyskeratotic keratinocytes and both linear dilated and glomerular vessels were better visible at LC‐OCT than RCM (p < 0.001). Erosion/ulceration was identified with both methods in more than half of the cases with a good degree of agreement (Gwet AC1 0.62). Conclusions: Our results suggest that both LC‐OCT and hand‐held RCM can help clinicians in the identification of AK and SCC, providing an in vivo and non‐invasive identification of an irregular epidermis. LC‐OCT proved to be more effective in identifying parakeratosis, dyskeratotic keratinocytes and vessels in this series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff from the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) is an important water resource in the western United States. The majority of annual runoff is derived from spring snowmelt, and therefore April–July water supply volume (WSV) forecasts produced by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center are critical to basin water management. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of snow data assimilation (DA) in a distributed hydrologic model on WSV forecasting error and skill in headwater catchments of the UCRB. To do this, a framework was built to use the Localized Ensemble transform Kalman filter to update modeled snow water equivalent (SWE) states in the Hydrology Laboratory‐Research Distributed Hydrologic Model with SNOTEL SWE observations and spatially and temporally complete MODIS Snow Covered‐Area and Grain size data. The DA approach was assessed by evaluating ensemble streamflow prediction forecasts over a 20‐year period for 23 catchments in the UCRB. Overall, the DA approach improved water supply forecast skill in 80% of pilot basins with an average improvement in the median continuous rank probability skill score of 4%. A research‐to‐operations transition was facilitated by automating the implementation of the DA approach. This work demonstrates the capacity for gridded and point snow products to be used to objectively update model states in an operational forecasting setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]