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PURPOSE: Clinical and imaging surveillance of patients with brain metastases is important after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) because many will experience intracranial progression (ITCP) requiring multidisciplinary management. The prognostic significance of neurologic symptoms at the time of ITCP is poorly understood. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study from 2015 to 2020, including all patients with brain metastases completing an initial course of SRS. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) by presence of neurologic symptoms at ITCP. OS, freedom from ITCP (FF-ITCP), and freedom from symptomatic ITCP (FF-SITCP) were assessed via Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models tested parameters impacting FF-ITCP and FF-SITCP. RESULTS: Among 1383 patients, median age was 63.4 years, 55% were female, and common primaries were non-small cell lung (49%), breast (15%), and melanoma (9%). At a median follow-up of 8.72 months, asymptomatic and symptomatic ITCP were observed in 504 (36%) and 194 (14%) patients, respectively. The majority of ITCP were distant ITCP (79.5%). OS was worse with SITCP (median, 10.2 vs 17.9 months, P < .001). SITCP was associated with clinical factors including total treatment volume (P = .012), melanoma histology (P = .001), prior whole brain radiation therapy (P = .003), number of brain metastases (P < .001), interval of 1 to 2 years from primary and brain metastasis diagnosis (P = .012), controlled extracranial disease (P = .042), and receipt of pre-SRS chemotherapy (P = .015). Patients who were younger and received post-SRS chemotherapy (P = .001), immunotherapy (P < .001), and targeted or small-molecule inhibitor therapy (P < .026) had better FF-SITCP. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort study of patients with brain metastases completing SRS, neurologic symptoms at ITCP is prognostic for OS. This data informs post-SRS surveillance in clinical practice as well as future prospective studies needed in the modern management of brain metastases.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the changing characteristics of running performance before and after extra time matches (ET) at the World Cup under new substitution rules and in special seasonal periods. Methods Match running data of starting players who played ET compared to matches before and after the ET matches from the FIFA 2022 World Cup and the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup were used for the analysis by using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results Most of the relative running distance per minute for the ET match was lower than the pre and post ET match in both men and women World Cups. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between pre and post ET matches neither in men’s nor women’s World Cups, except total distance and low speed running distance per minute for men`s football (p 0.05). Conclusion The present findings revealed that players display limited fatigue and can maintain running performance in the match after extra time matches across both genders during World Cups with 4–5 days between matches. Coaches should continue to focus on approaches to reduce fatigue and speeding up athlete recovery after extra time matches in international tournaments.

Abstract Performance analysis can provide coaches with a range of relevant information and support more informed decision-making. The objective of this research was to determine running performance (RP) within five-minute intervals when scoring and conceding goals in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Matches from the UCL 2020/2021 season were analyzed, and relevant data were retrieved using the InStat Fitness semi-automatic video system. Statistical analysis employed one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparisons and partial eta squared (η2) to determine effect size. Team performance was determined by measuring total distance covered (TD) and high-intensity running (HIR) when the team scored a goal, conceded a goal, and when the score did not change. Our primary results indicated significant differences in three out of 20 five-minute intervals for the TD parameter and four out of 20 for HIR when teams scored goals. There were also significant differences in eight out of 20 intervals for TD and three out of 20 for HIR when teams conceded goals. In conclusion, significant goal concessions were observed during all the five-minute intervals in which teams substantially reduced their RP. From a practical point of view, coaches should be aware, especially in the context of the pacing strategy used, that team RP affects the scoreline directly and the match outcome indirectly.

Abstract Bats are presumed reservoirs of diverse coronaviruses (CoVs) including progenitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. However, the evolution and diversification of these coronaviruses remains poorly understood. Here we use a Bayesian statistical framework and a large sequence data set from bat-CoVs (including 589 novel CoV sequences) in China to study their macroevolution, cross-species transmission and dispersal. We find that host-switching occurs more frequently and across more distantly related host taxa in alpha- than beta-CoVs, and is more highly constrained by phylogenetic distance for beta-CoVs. We show that inter-family and -genus switching is most common in Rhinolophidae and the genus Rhinolophus. Our analyses identify the host taxa and geographic regions that define hotspots of CoV evolutionary diversity in China that could help target bat-CoV discovery for proactive zoonotic disease surveillance. Finally, we present a phylogenetic analysis suggesting a likely origin for SARS-CoV-2 in Rhinolophus spp. bats.

The article delves into the challenges of delivery time management in today's business landscape. The authors underscore the need for precise delivery time forecasts, a key factor in maintaining a competitive edge and meeting customer expectations. They outline various methods for estimating the time of a selected commodity based on historical data, and stress the necessity of modern tools that can adapt to the intricate web of factors influencing delivery times and facilitate swift responses to changes. The following article presents an innovative delivery time forecasting application that integrates advanced predictive algorithms with historical data, current data, and external factors affecting the delivery process. The application was developed to provide more accurate delivery time forecasts and optimize logistics processes. Through advanced technologies, it can consider even the most complex scenarios and changes, allowing companies to plan and manage their logistics operations more effectively.

ImportanceClinical trials for metastatic malignant neoplasms are increasingly being extended to patients with brain metastases. Despite the preeminence of progression-free survival (PFS) as a primary oncologic end point, the correlation of intracranial progression (ICP) and extracranial progression (ECP) events with overall survival (OS) is poorly understood for patients with brain metastases following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).ObjectiveTo determine the correlation of ICP and ECP with OS among patients with brain metastases completing an initial SRS course.Design, setting, and participantsThis multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. We included patients who completed an initial course of SRS for brain metastases during the study period, including receipt of single and/or multifraction SRS, prior whole-brain radiotherapy, and brain metastasis resection. Data analysis was performed on November 15, 2022.ExposuresNon-OS end points included intracranial PFS, extracranial PFS, PFS, time to ICP, time to ECP, and any time to progression. Progression events were radiologically defined, incorporating multidisciplinary clinical consensus.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was correlation of surrogate end points to OS. Clinical end points were estimated from time of SRS completion via the Kaplan-Meier method, while end-point correlation to OS was measured using normal scores rank correlation with the iterative multiple imputation approach.ResultsThis study included 1383 patients, with a mean age of 63.1 years (range, 20.9-92.8 years) and a median follow-up of 8.72 months (IQR, 3.25-19.68 months). The majority of participants were White (1032 [75%]), and more than half (758 [55%]) were women. Common primary tumor sites included the lung (757 [55%]), breast (203 [15%]), and skin (melanoma; 100 [7%]). Intracranial progression was observed in 698 patients (50%), preceding 492 of 1000 observed deaths (49%). Extracranial progression was observed in 800 patients (58%), preceding 627 of 1000 observed deaths (63%). Irrespective of deaths, 482 patients (35%) experienced both ICP and ECP, 534 (39%) experienced ICP (216 [16%]) or ECP (318 [23%]), and 367 (27%) experienced neither. The median OS was 9.93 months (95% CI, 9.08-11.05 months). Intracranial PFS had the highest correlation with OS (ρ = 0.84 [95% CI, 0.82-0.85]; median, 4.39 months [95% CI, 4.02-4.92 months]). Time to ICP had the lowest correlation with OS (ρ = 0.42 [95% CI, 0.34-0.50]) and the longest median time to event (median, 8.76 months [95% CI, 7.70-9.48 months]). Across specific primary tumor types, correlations of intracranial PFS and extracranial PFS with OS were consistently high despite corresponding differences in median outcome durations.Conclusions and relevanceThe results of this cohort study of patients with brain metastases completing SRS suggest that intracranial PFS, extracranial PFS, and PFS had the highest correlations with OS and time to ICP had the lowest correlation with OS. These data may inform future patient inclusion and end-point selection for clinical trials.

Introduction The YTH family [N.sup.6]-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein YTHDF1 is an [N.sup.6]-methyadenosine ([m.sup.6]A) reader protein and the binding of YTHDF1 to [m.sup.6]A-modified mRNA lead to an increase in translation of the [...], The RNA [N.sup.6]-methyladenosine ([m.sup.6]A) reader YTHDF1 is implicated in cancer etiology and progression. We discovered that radiotherapy (RT) increased YTHDF1 expression in dendritic cells (DCs) of PBMCs from patients with cancer, but not in other immune cells tested. Elevated YTHDF1 expression in DCs was associated with poor outcomes for patients receiving RT. We found that loss of Ythdf1 in DCs enhanced the antitumor effects of ionizing radiation (IR) by increasing the cross- priming capacity of DCs across multiple murine cancer models. Mechanistically, IR upregulated YTHDF1 expression in DCs through stimulator of IFN genes/type I IFN (STING/IFN-I) signaling. YTHDF1 in turn triggered STING degradation by increasing lysosomal cathepsins, thereby reducing IFN-I production. We created a YTHDF1 deletion/inhibition prototype DC vaccine that significantly improved the therapeutic effect of RT and radioimmunotherapy in a murine melanoma model. Our findings reveal a layer of regulation between YTHDF1/[m.sup.6]A and STING in response to IR, which opens new paths for the development of YTHDFI-targeting therapies.

Introduction Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disorder that arises following the selective autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells. Beta-cell protective or beta-cell regenerative approaches have gained wider attention, and pharmacological approaches to protect the patient’s own insulin-producing beta-cell mass have been proposed. Verapamil is an L-type calcium channel blocker that has been reported to effectively lowers beta-cell thioredoxin-interacting protein expression in rodent beta cells and islets, as well as in human islets, and thus promotes functional beta-cell mass.Methods and analysis The trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in participants with T1DM, investigating the effect of verapamil on preservation of beta-cell function (Ver-A-T1D). A total of 120 participants will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio between 360 mg verapamil and placebo, administered orally once daily. T1DM patients aged ≥18 and

ABSTRACT Scots pine is a crucial component of ecosystems in Europe and Asia and a major utility species that comprises more than 60% of total forest production in Poland. Despite its importance, the genetic relationships between key conservation and the commercial value of Scots pine ecotypes in Poland remain unclear. To address this problem, we analyzed 27 populations (841 trees) of the most valuable Polish Scots pine ecotypes, including the oldest natural stands in all 24 regions of provenance established for the species in the country. By examining maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, nuclear microsatellite loci, and thousands of SNP markers from a genotyping array, we evaluated the genetic structure between and within them. These multilevel genomic data revealed high genetic similarity and a homogeneous structure in most populations, suggesting a common historical origin and admixture of populations after the postglacial recolonization of Central Europe. This research presents novel data on existing genomic resources among local ecotypes defined within strictly managed Polish regions of provenance, challenging their validity. Formal tests of the progeny of seed stands are needed to check whether the diversity in adaptation and quantitative traits still supports the delineation of provenance regions. In parallel, the health status of selected populations and the viability of seeds from these regions should be monitored to detect early‐stage symptoms of their environmental stress. It seems reasonable that periodic shortages of forest reproductive material (FRM) in a given region of provenance could be supplemented with the one from other regions that match their climatic envelope. Together, our results have important implications for the management of native Scots pine stands, particularly elite breeding populations, as they contribute to the discussion of the boundaries of provenance regions and the transfers of FRM that face increasing climate change.

Study aim: This study aimed (i) to describe psychomotor parameters for different temperature and humidity conditions, and (ii) to verify whether conditions at the borderline between some and great thermal discomfort on the humidex scale affect psycho-motor parameters in soccer players.

Throughout Europe, including Poland, Ixodes ricinus ticks are the main vector of numerous pathogenic agents that pose a serious threat to public health. Southern Poland attracts many tourists with its scenic landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. These areas are ideal habitats for wild fauna, which serve as the main reservoirs and hosts for these pathogens and ticks. The large population and biodiversity of these hosts facilitate the proliferation of ticks. The aim of this study was to determine the potential exposure of humans to ticks and tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp., along the nature-educational and tourist trails of the Poprad Landscape Park. From 2020 to 2021, ticks were collected using the flagging method on three tourist trails and nature-educational paths within the Poprad Landscape Park. DNA was isolated from 213 I. ricinus ticks using the ammonia method. To detect pathogens in ticks, PCR and nested PCR methods were used. To detect B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum, two pairs of primers specific to the flaB gene fragment and 16S rRNA gene fragment were used, respectively. For Babesia spp. detection, primers specific to the 18S rRNA gene were used. The amplification products were separated electrophoretically and visualized under ultraviolet light. In total, among the 213 examined ticks, B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 31% of the samples. Neither A. phagocytophilum nor Babesia spp. were detected in the studied material. These results indicate a potentially high risk of ticks and tick-borne B. burgdorferi s.l. infections for residents and tourists in the recreational areas of the Poprad Landscape Park.

Mutationally activated BRAF is detected in approximately 7% of human lung adenocarcinomas, with BRAFT1799A serving as a predictive biomarker for treatment of patients with FDA-approved inhibitors of BRAFV600E oncoprotein signaling. In genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, expression of BRAFV600E in the lung epithelium initiates growth of benign lung tumors that, without additional genetic alterations, rarely progress to malignant lung adenocarcinoma. To identify genes that cooperate with BRAFV600E for malignant progression, we used Sleeping Beauty-mediated transposon mutagenesis, which dramatically accelerated the emergence of lethal lung cancers. Among the genes identified was Rbms3, which encodes an RNA-binding protein previously implicated as a putative tumor suppressor. Silencing of RBMS3 via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing promoted growth of BRAFV600E lung organoids and promoted development of malignant lung cancers with a distinct micropapillary architecture in BRAFV600E and EGFRL858R GEM models. BRAFV600E/RBMS3Null lung tumors displayed elevated expression of Ctnnb1, Ccnd1, Axin2, Lgr5, and c-Myc mRNAs, suggesting that RBMS3 silencing elevates signaling through the WNT/β-catenin signaling axis. Although RBMS3 silencing rendered BRAFV600E-driven lung tumors resistant to the effects of dabrafenib plus trametinib, the tumors were sensitive to inhibition of porcupine, an acyltransferase of WNT ligands necessary for their secretion. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas patient samples revealed that chromosome 3p24, which encompasses RBMS3, is frequently lost in non-small cell lung cancer and correlates with poor prognosis. Collectively, these data reveal the role of RBMS3 as a lung cancer suppressor and suggest that RBMS3 silencing may contribute to malignant NSCLC progression.SignificanceLoss of RBMS3 cooperates with BRAFV600E to induce lung tumorigenesis, providing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mutant BRAF-driven lung cancer and potential strategies to more effectively target this disease.

Abstract This study compared external training load (ETL) and its temporal changes across repetitions during a speed endurance production (SEP) training comprised of 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games (SSGs) in elite youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups (SEP1 and SEP2) performing six 30 s and 45 s bouts of SSG (work-to-rest ratio 1:4) on a 10 by 15 m field. ETL was characterized by the total distance covered, Player Load, the total number of accelerations/decelerations, and their relative values (per minute). Significant overall decreases in the ETL parameter values across six repetitions in both SSG groups were observed relative to the measurement in the first set beginning in 3rd (SEP1) or 4th (SEP2) repetitions. Significant greater decreases in Player Load (F(5.90) = 2.99, p

Abstract Species' ranges are shifting rapidly with climate change, altering the composition of biological communities and interactions within and among species. Hybridization is among the species interactions that may change markedly with climate change, yet it is understudied relative to others. We used non‐invasive genetic detections to build a maximum entropy species distribution model and investigate the factors that delimit the present and future ranges of American marten (Martes americana) and Pacific marten (Martes caurina) in a contact zone in the Northern Rockies. We found that climate change will decrease the suitable habitat predicted for both species, as well as the amount of overlap in predicted suitable habitat between the species. Interestingly, predicted suitable habitat for Pacific marten extended further north in the study region than our genetic detections for the species, suggesting that biotic factors, such as interactions with American marten, may affect the realized range of this species. Our results suggest that future work investigating the interactions among biotic and abiotic factors that influence hybrid zone dynamics is important for predicting the futures of these two species in this area under climate change.

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in Europe, but the excavation of hard coal has covered large areas with disposed rock waste, and turned the natural habitats into disturbed novel ecosystems with harsh conditions differ in time and space. To examine the spontaneous complex successional gradient, we studied a large number of post coalmine heaps in Upper Silesia, which differ in vegetation type and age. Cluster analysis based on plant community composition (367 species in total) separated all surveyed plots on coal mining spoil heaps with herbaceous vegetation from Late Stage (LS) forests aged 14–56 years. Furthermore, the herbaceous vegetation was sub-grouped to three stages: Initial Stage (IS) aged 2–5 years, Early Stage (ES) aged 3–8 years and Mid-Stage (MS) aged 5–12 years. MS vegetation was characterised by the highest species richness and diversity (47 and 2.79) compared to ES (30 and 2.18) and IS (9 and 1.6), but higher species number and a similar diversity index occurred in LS (37 and 2.81). Functional diversity (FD) and community weighted mean (CWM) of nine functional traits showed higher (23.1) functional richness, higher (0.72) functional divergence, higher (4.5) functional dispersion, and higher value (24.4) of Rao’s quadratic entropy in LS compared to those calculated from the first three stages. Species at the initial successional stage (IS) were characterised by lower canopy height, seed mass, higher lateral spread, and specific leaf area (SLA). Additionally, the lowest (0.22 mg CO2 per hour per square metre) soil respiration (Sr) rate was recorded from IS compared to (0.53, 0.82 and 1.00) from ES, LS and MS, respectively. The soil water content (SWC) was the most important factor affecting the soil respiration, while the soil temperature (St) did not follow the well-studied relationship between soil respiration and soil temperature. Our spatial and temporal analyses illustrated changes in plant community assembly processes in the course of spontaneous vegetation succession on post coalmine spoil heaps. The importance of trait mediated abiotic filtration in community assembly in initial-, early-, and mid-stages of succession with an increase in competitive exclusion at the late successional stage was emphasized.

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the key physical indicators that affect game performance of male team handball athletes in national team handball tournaments and explore them further in relation to playing positions. A total of 150 male handball athletes were tested before a national tournament, using squat, bench press, 30-m sprint, vertical jump, pull-ups and abdominal endurance testing. Correlation analysis was used to examine the potential relationship between fitness level and tournament ranking. The results revealed significant differences in fitness variables among different playing positions (p 0.05). 1RM squad performance was associated with team rankings (r = 0.289, p 0.05). To conclude, fitness level is to some extent related to team ranking with higher ranked teams having better scores in some of the fitness tests for all playing positions. The key predictors of performance in sport vary from position to position and practitioners need to differentiate between them to organize strength and conditioning training more precisely. More specialized fitness tests are also needed to assess athletes' competition ability.

Substitutions play a key role in modern football and can substantially affect the physical and overall performance of a team, and the recent substitution rule changes are worth investigating. This study explored the characteristics of substitutions, including different substitution rules, game results, sex, competition stages, tournaments and penalty shoot-outs success rates. We analysed data from a total of 3,738 substitutions from the last 10 years (2013–2023) of European Championships and World Cups, both men’s and women’s games. Nonparametric tests and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis with the significance level set at p < 0.05. With the 5-substitution rule, 48% more substitutions occurred compared to the 3-substitution rule (4.26±1.07 vs. 2.87±0.43, p < 0.05) with a slight increase in the average substitution time (70.6±14.3 vs. 69.2±14.6 min, p < 0.05), and 10% more substitutions in the men’s game compared to the women’s game ( p < 0.05). The timing of the firstsubstitution wasslightly different in the knock-outstage compared to group stage (59.8±14.7 vs. 57.2±13.3 min, p < 0.05), and the timing for the winning team and drawing team was later than for the losing team ( p < 0.05). A total of 13.2% goals were scored by substitutes, with no significant difference between the 5-substitution rule (15.9%) vs the 3 substition rule (12.5%) ( p > 0.05). Interestingly, substitute players had a lower success rate in penalty shoot-out compared to starters (61 vs. 74%, p < 0.05). Additionally, substitute player goal scorers entered the pitch later ( p < 0.05) in male games compared to female games and in knock-out stage games compared to group games. This study highlights the importance of substitution rules and timing in modern elite football matches. The timing of the first substitution, introduction of substitutes in knock-out stages, and a lower success rate of substitute players in penalty shoot-outs are crucial factors to consider. Coaches can use this information to make strategic substitution decisions to improve team performance.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a standard of care for many patients with brain metastases. To optimize post-SRS surveillance, this study aimed to validate a previously published nomogram predicting post-SRS intracranial progression (IP). We identified consecutive patients completing an initial course of SRS across two institutions between July 2017 and December 2020. Patients were classified as low- or high-risk for post-SRS IP per a previously published nomogram. Overall survival (OS) and freedom from IP (FFIP) were assessed via the Kaplan−Meier method. Assessment of parameters impacting FFIP was performed with univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Among 890 patients, median follow-up was 9.8 months (95% CI 9.1−11.2 months). In total, 47% had NSCLC primary tumors, and 47% had oligometastatic disease (defined as ≤5 metastastic foci) at the time of SRS. Per the IP nomogram, 53% of patients were deemed high-risk. For low- and high-risk patients, median FFIP was 13.9 months (95% CI 11.1−17.1 months) and 7.6 months (95% CI 6.4−9.3 months), respectively, and FFIP was superior in low-risk patients (p < 0.0001). This large multisite BM cohort supports the use of an IP nomogram as a quick and simple means of stratifying patients into low- and high-risk groups for post-SRS IP.

Host-virus associations have co-evolved under ecological and evolutionary selection pressures that shape cross-species transmission and spillover to humans. Observed virus-host associations provide relevant context for newly discovered wildlife viruses to assess knowledge gaps in host-range and estimate pathways for potential human infection. Using models to predict virus-host networks, we predicted the likelihood of humans as hosts for 513 newly discovered viruses detected by large-scale wildlife surveillance at high-risk animal-human interfaces in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Predictions indicated that novel coronaviruses are likely to infect a greater number of host species than viruses from other families. Our models further characterize novel viruses through prioritization scores and directly inform surveillance targets to identify host ranges for newly discovered viruses.

Abstract Tidal marshes store large amounts of organic carbon in their soils. Field data quantifying soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks provide an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers, and policy-makers working towards the protection, restoration, and valuation of these ecosystems. We collated a global dataset of tidal marsh soil organic carbon (MarSOC) from 99 studies that includes location, soil depth, site name, dry bulk density, SOC, and/or soil organic matter (SOM). The MarSOC dataset includes 17,454 data points from 2,329 unique locations, and 29 countries. We generated a general transfer function for the conversion of SOM to SOC. Using this data we estimated a median (± median absolute deviation) value of 79.2 ± 38.1 Mg SOC ha−1 in the top 30 cm and 231 ± 134 Mg SOC ha−1 in the top 1 m of tidal marsh soils globally. This data can serve as a basis for future work, and may contribute to incorporation of tidal marsh ecosystems into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.

Tree species’ ability to persist within their current distribution ranges is determined by seed germination and seedling growth. Exploring variation in these traits in relation to climatic conditions helps to understand and predict tree population dynamics, and to support species management and conservation under future climate. We analyzed seeds and seedlings of 26 European beech populations from the northeastern boundary of the species range to test whether: 1) adaptation to climatic conditions is reflected in depth of dormancy and germination of seeds; 2) climatic characteristics of origin predictably affect seedling traits. The variation in seed dormancy and germination in a laboratory test, and seedling growth and morphology traits in a nursery common-garden test was examined. Populations originating from warmer and drier sites (mostly from the northern region), compared to those from the opposite end of climatic gradient, germinated later, with a lower success, and produced seedlings with shorter and tougher roots. They had deeper dormancy and poorer seed germination capacity, and are likely more vulnerable to environmental changes. The climatic conditions at the origin shape the intraspecific variation of seed germination and seedling traits, and may limit regeneration from seed and affect adaptation potential of beech to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation.

The way of disposing of rock mineral material has a significant impact on subsequent spontaneous vegetation succession, soil properties, and respiration. We compared seven spontaneously vegetated samples from a large (2 km2) borrow pit used to dispose of the byproducts of a hard coal mine with seven plots from four coal mine spoil heap piles. We used BIOLOG EcoPlates to assess the microbial catabolic activity of the substrate. The substrate in the borrow pit was characterized by higher water content and lower temperature compared to the heap pile substrate. The borrow pit had a more diverse plant community structure. Higher Rao’s quadratic entropy, functional richness, and functional divergence were also calculated from plant functional traits in borrow pit samples. Although borrow pit samples showed higher total microbial biomass, bacteria/fungi ratio, and gram+/gram− ratio, and heap pile samples showed higher soil enzymatic activity, microbial functional diversity, and catabolic activity, these differences were not significant. Soil respiration from the borrow pit substrate was two folds higher. The borrow pit method of disposing of rock mineral material can be suggested to speed up spontaneous vegetation succession. This research provides new insights into the effects of burying hard coal byproducts in borrow pits and offers guidance for the management of hard coal mining.

Abstract New datasets and information infrastructure are revolutionizing how societies respond to environmental crises, while creating novel challenges. Conservation biology can learn from other fields that have confronted crises while navigating changes in the scientific process. The COVID‐19 pandemic offers one such opportunity. We identify lessons from the use of big data and the sharing of preliminary scientific information in an increasingly “networked” communication system during the pandemic. Although big data were central to early pandemic responses, acquisition and sharing of big data alone were insufficient to produce knowledge for effective crisis response. Some shortcomings could be addressed by validating and automating processing of big data. Preliminary scientific information was widely available and shared through a broad communication infrastructure during the pandemic, contributing to widespread misinformation. Diverse actions connecting information producers and consumers could help mitigate misinformation risk. By examining pandemic lessons, conservation biologists may be better equipped to handle conservation crises.

Anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) immunotherapy is an increasingly crucial in cancer treatment. To date, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining protocols, commercially available in the form of "kits", facilitating testing for PD-L1 expression. These kits comprise four PD-L1 antibodies on two separate IHC platforms, each utilizing distinct, non-interchangeable scoring systems. Several factors, including tumor heterogeneity and the size of the tissue specimens assessed, can lead to PD-L1 status misclassification, potentially hindering the initiation of therapy. Therefore, the development of more accurate predictive biomarkers to distinguish between responders and non-responders prior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy warrants further research. Achieving this goal necessitates refining sampling criteria, enhancing current methods of PD-L1 detection, and deepening our understanding of the impact of additional biomarkers. In this article, we review potential solutions to improve the predictive accuracy of PD-L1 assessment in order to more precisely anticipate patients' responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, monitor disease progression and predict clinical outcomes.

Postural adjustments (PA) occur to counteract predictable perturbations and can be impaired as a result of musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions. The most common way to detect PA is through electromyography measurements or center of pressure (COP) position measurements, where analysis in time domain and frequency domain are the most common. Aim of the research was to determine whether a new method of analyzing stabilographic measurements-the COP trend change analysis (TCI) of temporary posture corrections- can expand understanding of changes in balance strategy connected with PA. The study group involved 38 individuals (27women, 11men) aged 23±2.6 years. Measurements were performed using a stabilographic platform placed on a perturbation platform. The tests involved three measurements with forward and backward momentary movements of the platform. Participants were tested in three conditions-knowing the nature, time and direction of perturbation (Tr3), knowing only the nature of perturbation (Tr2) and without any information about the perturbation (Tr1). Statistically significant differences were revealed in the last second of Tr3 for the mean velocity of COP (p

The antitumor effects of ionizing radiation (IR) are mediated in part through activation of innate and adaptive immunity. Here we report that gut microbiota influences tumor control following IR. Vancomycin decreased the abundance of butyrate-producing gut bacteria and enhanced antitumor responses to IR. Oral administration of Lachnospiraceae, a family of vancomycin-sensitive bacteria, was associated with increased systemic and intratumoral butyric acid levels and impaired the efficacy of IR in germ-free (GF) mice. Local butyrate inhibited STING-activated type I IFN expression in dendritic cells (DCs) through blockade of TBK1 and IRF3 phosphorylation, which abrogated IR-induced tumor-specific cytotoxic T cell immune responses without directly protecting tumor cells from radiation. Our findings demonstrate that the selective targeting of butyrate-producing microbiota may provide a novel therapeutic option to enhance tumor radiation sensitivity.