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Intermittent streams periodically cease to flow but still support diverse aquatic assemblages. Community dynamics within intermittent streams are likely driven by a wide range of factors, including drying regime, refuge availability, and connectivity with perennial systems. We compared fish community dynamics over the course of a drying and rewetting period to quantify differences in fish community composition and recovery trajectories across a gradient of drying. We predicted that shifts in fish community structure as streams dry and rewet would be similar across streams with similar drying regimes and streams with more severe drying would be less likely to recover when streams rewetted. Seasonal shifts in community composition were variable in streams that retained isolated pools, with similar patterns occurring in streams of similar size. Despite a lack of synchrony in shifts in community composition among sites, fish communities exhibited recovery post‐drying across all drying regimes. The quick recovery of stream fish communities after drying may suggest intermittent streams provide beneficial habitats or resources and highlight the importance of network connectivity to allow community recovery after drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Smokers typically have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non‐smokers, while smoking cessation is associated with weight gain. In pre‐clinical research, nicotine in tobacco smoking suppresses appetite and influences subsequent eating behaviour; however, this relationship is unclear in humans. This study measured the associations of smoking with different eating and dietary behaviours. Design: A cross‐sectional analysis of data from health assessments conducted between 2004 and 2022. Setting: An independent healthcare‐based charity within the United Kingdom. Participants: A total of 80 296 men and women (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age, 43.0 ± 10.4 years; BMI, 25.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; 62.5% male) stratified into two groups based on their status as a smoker (n = 6042; 7.5%) or non‐smoker (n = 74 254; 92.5%). Measurements Smoking status (self‐report) was the main exposure, while the primary outcomes were selected eating and dietary behaviours. Age, sex and socioeconomic status (index of multiple deprivation [IMD]) were included as covariates and interaction terms, while moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise and sleep quality were included as covariates only. Findings Smokers had lower odds of snacking between meals and eating food as a reward or out of boredom versus non‐smokers (all odds ratio [OR] ≤ 0.82; P < 0.001). Furthermore, smokers had higher odds of skipping meals, going more than 3 h without food, adding salt and sugar to their food, overeating and finding it hard to leave something on their plate versus non‐smokers (all OR ≥ 1.06; P ≤ 0.030). Additionally, compared with non‐smokers, smoking was associated with eating fried food more times per week (rate ratio [RR] = 1.08; P < 0.001), eating fewer meals per day, eating sweet foods between meals and eating dessert on fewer days per week (all RR ≤ 0.93; P < 0.001). Several of these relationships were modified by age, sex and IMD. Conclusions: Smoking appears to be associated with eating and dietary behaviours consistent with inhibited food intake, low diet quality and altered food preference. Several of these relationships are moderated by age, sex and socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the setting of pediatric and adolescent young adult cancer, increased access to genomic profiling has enhanced the detection of genetic variation associated with cancer predisposition, including germline syndromic conditions. Noonan syndrome (NS) is associated with the germline RAS pathway activating alterations and increased risk of cancer. Herein, we describe our comprehensive molecular profiling approach, the association of NS with glioma and glioneuronal tumors, and the clinical and histopathologic characteristics associated with the disease. Methods: Within an institutional pediatric cancer cohort (n = 314), molecular profiling comprised of paired somatic disease-germline comparator exome analysis, RNA sequencing, and tumor classification by DNA methylation analysis was performed. Results: Through the implementation of paired analysis, this study identified 4 of 314 (1.3%) individuals who harbored a germline PTPN11 variant associated with NS, of which 3 individuals were diagnosed with a glioma or glioneuronal tumor. Furthermore, we extend this study through collaboration with a peer institution to identify two additional individuals with NS and a glioma or glioneuronal tumor. Notably, in three of five (60%) individuals, paired genomic profiling led to a previously unrecognized diagnosis of Noonan syndrome despite an average age of cancer diagnosis of 16.8 years. The study of the disease-involved tissue identified signaling pathway dysregulation through somatic alteration of genes involved in cellular proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Discussion: Comparative pathologic findings are presented to enable an indepth examination of disease characteristics. This comprehensive analysis highlights the association of gliomas and glioneuronal tumors with RASopathies and the potential therapeutic challenges and importantly demonstrates the utility of genomic profiling for the identification of germline cancer predisposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittent streams exhibit regular patterns of drying and are widespread, but the patterns of drying among streams within geographic proximity are not fully understood. We compared annual patterns of flow and drying among 10 intermittent streams within a single drainage basin and assessed how traditional hydrologic metrics described variation between streams. We installed stream intermittency sensors and evaluated stage height using low‐cost methods and evaluated landscape factors as potential drivers of flow patterns. Intermittent streams varied based on both high‐ and low‐flow metrics, driven by a variety of landscape‐level factors, especially watershed size. Additionally, we compared the observed flow regimes within our system with predictions generated using an established Soil and Water Assessment Tool, finding that modeled streamflow patterns generally underrepresented observed drying within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technologies and disruptions related to Coronavirus disease-2019 have led to expansion of decentralized approaches to clinical trials. Remote tools and methods hold promise for increasing trial efficiency and reducing burdens and barriers by facilitating participation outside of traditional clinical settings and taking studies directly to participants. The Trial Innovation Network, established in 2016 by the National Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Science to address critical roadblocks in clinical research and accelerate the translational research process, has consulted on over 400 research study proposals to date. Its recommendations for decentralized approaches have included eConsent, participant-informed study design, remote intervention, study task reminders, social media recruitment, and return of results for participants. Some clinical trial elements have worked well when decentralized, while others, including remote recruitment and patient monitoring, need further refinement and assessment to determine their value. Partially decentralized, or “hybrid” trials, offer a first step to optimizing remote methods. Decentralized processes demonstrate potential to improve urban-rural diversity, but their impact on inclusion of racially and ethnically marginalized populations requires further study. To optimize inclusive participation in decentralized clinical trials, efforts must be made to build trust among marginalized communities, and to ensure access to remote technology.

True malignant mixed tumors, also known as salivary gland carcinosarcoma (SCS), are uncommon yet highly aggressive lesions associated with a poor prognosis. These tumors exhibit a distinctive biphasic structure characterized by both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Recent research has shown that the majority of SCS cases stem from pre-existing pleomorphic adenomas (PAs), suggesting a stepwise developmental pattern. In this report, we present a case of a 73-year-old female with SCS and describe the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic observations. Notably, the SCS was associated with a residual PA. The SCS displayed a CTNNB1::PLAG1 gene rearrangement, providing a molecular basis for its origin from the PA. Further DNA genomic analysis exposed mutations in BAP1, PER1, and LRPB1. Our findings provide support to the theory that SCS emerges from a pre-existing PA while highlighting the multiple genetic changes that could contribute to malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]