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If dihydrogen (H2) becomes a major part of the energy mix, massive storage in underground gas storage (UGS), such as in deep aquifers, will be needed. The development of H2 requires a growing share of H2 in natural gas (and its current infrastructure), which is expected to reach approximately 2% in Europe. The impact of H2 in aquifers is uncertain, mainly because its behavior is site dependent. The main concern is the consequences of its consumption by autochthonous microorganisms, which, in addition to energy loss, could lead to reservoir souring and alter the petrological properties of the aquifer. In this work, the coinjection of 2% H2 in a natural gas blend in a low-salinity deep aquifer was simulated in a three-phase (aquifer rock, formation water, and natural gas/H2 mix) high-pressure reactor for 3 months with autochthonous microorganisms using a protocol described in a previous study. This protocol was improved by the addition of protocol coupling experimental measures and modeling to calculate the pH and redox potential of the reactor. Modeling was performed to better analyze the experimental data. As in previous experiments, sulfate reduction was the first reaction to occur, and sulfate was quickly consumed. Then, formate production, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis occurred. Overall, H2 consumption was mainly caused by methanogenesis. Contrary to previous experiments simulating H2 injection in aquifers of higher salinity using the same protocol, microbial H2 consumption remained limited, probably because of nutrient depletion. Although calcite dissolution and iron sulfide mineral precipitation likely occurred, no notable evolution of the rock phase was observed after the experiment. Overall, our results suggested that H2 can be stable in this aquifer after an initial loss. More generally, aquifers with low salinity and especially low electron acceptor availability should be favored for H2 costorage with natural gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary melioidosis is a severe tropical infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and is associated with high mortality, despite early antibiotic treatment. γδ T cells have been increasingly implicated as drivers of the host neutrophil response during bacterial pneumonia, but their role in pulmonary melioidosis is unknown. Here, we report that in patients with melioidosis, a lower peripheral blood γδ T-cell concentration is associated with higher mortality, even when adjusting for severity of illness. γδ T cells were also enriched in the lung and protected against mortality in a mouse model of pulmonary melioidosis. γδ T-cell deficiency in infected mice induced an early recruitment of neutrophils to the lung, independent of bacterial burden. Subsequently, γδ T-cell deficiency resulted in increased neutrophil-associated inflammation in the lung as well as impaired bacterial clearance. In addition, γδ T cells influenced neutrophil function and subset diversity in the lung after infection. Our results indicate that γδ T cells serve a novel protective role in the lung during severe bacterial pneumonia by regulating excessive neutrophil-associated inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the results of a theoretical approach, finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical tests of monolithic TA6V Dode-Thin lattice core sandwich structures manufactured by powder bed laser beam melting process. An analytical approach to evaluate the mechanical properties of one Dode-Thin strut is briefly presented. The strut is then replaced by an equivalent beam whose cross-section is a solid circle. Various finite element (FE) models are used to calculate the effective mechanical properties of a defect-free structure and compared to the analytical results of beam theory. Besides the calculations, different experimental tests and measurements are carried out to measure the stiffness of the sandwich beams. These experiments show that both theoretical and numerical predictions significantly overestimate the stiffnesses. The discrepancies between the models and the as-built components are mainly due to geometrical imperfections and internal defects (porosity) caused by the AM process. Optical observations and X-ray computed tomography (CT) are then performed to determine the actual cross-sectional properties of the struts. Finally, this study provides the engineer with a simple method to replace a Dode-Thin strut with an equivalent beam of solid circular cross-section, and to define the equivalent 3D-orthotropic material with homogenized mechanical properties. Another contribution of this work is the insight into the as-built physical parameters to improve the correlation between models and experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the additive version of the matrix denoising problem, where a random symmetric matrix S of size n has to be inferred from the observation of Y = S + Z , with Z an independent random matrix modeling a noise. For prior distributions of S and Z that are invariant under conjugation by orthogonal matrices we determine, using results from first and second order free probability theory, the Bayes-optimal (in terms of the mean square error) polynomial estimators of degree at most D, asymptotically in n, and show that as D increases they converge towards the estimator introduced by Bun et al. (IEEE Trans Inf Theory 62:7475, 2016). We conjecture that this optimality holds beyond strictly orthogonally invariant priors, and provide partial evidences of this universality phenomenon when S is an arbitrary Wishart matrix and Z is drawn from the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble, a case motivated by the related extensive rank matrix factorization problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, is an important resource for biosourced materials. The global demand for chitin is rapidly increasing, however, the majority of industrial chitin is sourced from crustacean shells, which may be less accessible in regions without seafood waste. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative chitin sources, such as those derived from beetles and other arthropods. This study investigated chitin extraction from nine species of Curculionidae (true weevils), which are recognized as crop pests. The extraction process and yields were described, and the isolated chitin was characterized by SEM, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, XRD, and ash and water content measurements. This work highlights the potential of Curculionidae as an alternative chitin source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize the dependence of Xe‐MRI gas transfer metrics upon age, sex, and lung volume in a group of healthy volunteers. Methods: Sixty‐five subjects with no history of chronic lung disease were assessed with 129Xe‐MRI using a four‐echo 3D radial spectroscopic imaging sequence and a dose of xenon titrated according to subject height that was inhaled from a lung volume of functional residual capacity (FRC). Imaging was repeated in 34 subjects at total lung capacity (TLC). Regional maps of the fractions of dissolved xenon in red blood cells (RBC), membrane (M), and airspace (Gas) were acquired at an isotropic resolution of 2 cm, from which global averages of the ratios RBC:M, RBC:Gas, and M:Gas were computed. Results: Data from 26 males and 36 females with a median age of 43 y (range: 20–69 y) were of sufficient quality to analyze. Age (p = 0.0006) and sex (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors for RBC:M, and a linear regression showed higher values and steeper decline in males: RBC:M(Males) = −0.00362 × Age + 0.60 (p = 0.01, R2 = 0.25); RBC:M(Females) = −0.00170 × Age + 0.44 (p = 0.02, R2 = 0.15). Similarly, age and sex were significant predictors for RBC:Gas but not for M:Gas. RBC:M, M:Gas and RBC:Gas were significantly lower at TLC than at FRC (plus inhaled volume), with an average 9%, 30% and 35% decrease, respectively. Conclusion: Expected age and sex dependence of pulmonary function concurs with 129Xe RBC:M imaging results, demonstrating that these variables must be considered when reporting Xe‐MRI metrics. Xenon doses and breathing maneuvers should be controlled due to the strong dependence of Xe‐MRI metrics upon lung volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by a deficit in acid alpha‐glucosidase. Macroglossia and swallowing disorders have already been reported, but no study has focused yet on its frequency and functional impact on patients' daily life. Methods: We reviewed 100 adult LOPD patients followed in 17 hospitals in France included in the French national Pompe disease registry. The Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire were completed by patients, and a specialist carried out a medical examination focused on swallowing and assigned a Salassa score to each patient. Respiratory and motor functions were also recorded. Subgroup analysis compared patients with and without swallowing difficulties based on Salassa score. Results: Thirty‐two percent of patients presented with swallowing difficulties, often mild but sometimes severe enough to require percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (1%). Daily dysphagia was reported for 20% of our patients and aspirations for 18%; 9.5% were unable to eat away from home. Macroglossia was described in 18% of our patients, and 11% had lingual atrophy. Only 15% of patients presenting with swallowing disorders were followed by a speech therapist. Swallowing difficulties were significantly associated with macroglossia (p = 0.015), longer duration of illness (p = 0.032), and a lower body mass index (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Swallowing difficulties in LOPD are common and have significant functional impact. Increased awareness by physicians of these symptoms with systematic examination of the tongue and questions about swallowing can lead to appropriate multidisciplinary care with a speech therapist and dietitian if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Accurate mock halo catalogues are indispensable data products for developing and validating cosmological inference pipelines. A major challenge in generating mock catalogues is modelling the halo or galaxy bias, which is the mapping from matter density to dark matter halos or observable galaxies. To this end, N-body codes produce state-of-the-art catalogues. However, generating large numbers of these N-body simulations for big volumes, especially if magnetohydrodynamics are included, requires significant computational time. Aims. We introduce and benchmark a differentiable and physics-informed neural network that can generate mock halo catalogues of comparable quality to those obtained from full N-body codes. The model design is computationally efficient for the training procedure and the production of large mock catalogue suites. Methods. We present a neural network, relying only on 18 to 34 trainable parameters, that produces halo catalogues from dark matter overdensity fields. The reduction in network weights was realised through incorporating symmetries motivated by first principles into our model architecture. We trained our model using dark-matter-only N-body simulations across different resolutions, redshifts, and mass bins. We validated the final mock catalogues by comparing them to N-body halo catalogues using different N-point correlation functions. Results. Our model produces mock halo catalogues consistent with the reference simulations, showing that this novel network is a promising way to generate mock data for upcoming wide-field surveys due to its computational efficiency. Moreover, we find that the network can be trained on approximate overdensity fields to reduce the computational cost further. We also present how the trained network parameters can be interpreted to give insights into the physics of structure formation. Finally, we discuss the current limitations of our model as well as more general requirements and pitfalls of approximate halo mock generation that became evident from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduced polyoxometalate (POM) functionalized with bisphosphonate (BP) ligands possessing antitumoral properties was used to synthesize metallic gold nanostars (AuNSs) with high reproducibility through a silver-assisted seed growth method. Notably, this study is the first to employ a reduced polyoxometalate as a dual-function reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of gold nanostars. The resulting AuNS@POM composites, characterized by a plasmon band located at 744 nm, combine in a single hybrid nanocomposite alendronate ligands, Mo-(VI) ions, and Au0 centers. The colloidal stability of AuNS@POM was demonstrated in a biological culture medium, and cell experiments were performed to study its antitumoral activity on U87 and MCF7 cell lines from glioblastoma and liver cancer, respectively. First, it was established that the antitumoral activity of the BP POM is enhanced due to the Mo-(V) to Mo-(VI) oxidation process that occurs during AuNS formation. Second, it has been shown that in the presence of the composite, cellular metabolic activity decreases drastically under the effect of irradiation at 808 nm, even leading to almost complete cell death. AuNS@POM therefore exhibits strong antitumor chemo–photothermal activity, paving the way for the development of a type of dual therapeutic agent operating under near-infrared irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical contacts in dry conditions are often characterized by an interfacial layer called “third body”, which generally originates from the degradations of the surfaces, but which can exhibit strongly different material properties. This layer is a direct consequence of past wear, but also exerts a control on the rate at which surfaces in contact will keep getting worn. A comprehensive understanding of mechanical contacts therefore relies on a theory describing the interplay between this sheared layer and the moving surfaces which confine it. In this paper, we make a step towards such a theory by quantitatively investigating the link between the flow regime of the third body and the mechanical loading it applies to the surfaces. For that purpose, a previously developed local model of solid flow based on the Multibody Meshfree Approach is employed, in order to simulate characteristic flow regimes identified in experiments. Typical stress concentration patterns endured by the surfaces are then described and quantified, and a simple damage model is used to demonstrate how such a model could lead to wear prediction. We demonstrate that agglomerated flow regimes are prone to enhance large and deep damaging of surfaces, while granular third body flows have a more limited and shallow damaging effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common genetically inherited myopathies in adults. It is characterized by incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Typically, FSHD patients display asymmetric weakness of facial, scapular, and humeral muscles that may progress to other muscle groups, particularly the abdominal and lower limb muscles. Early-onset patients display more severe muscle weakness and atrophy, resulting in a higher frequency of associated skeletal abnormalities. In these patients, multisystem involvement, including respiratory, ocular, and auditory, is more frequent and severe and may include the central nervous system. Adult-onset FSHD patients may also display some degree of multisystem involvement which mainly remains subclinical. In 95% of cases, FSHD patients carry a pathogenic contraction of the D4Z4 repeat units (RUs) in the subtelomeric region of chromosome 4 (4q35), which leads to the expression of DUX4 retrogene, toxic for muscles (FSHD1). Five percent of patients display the same clinical phenotype in association with a mutation in the SMCHD1 gene located in chromosome 18, inducing epigenetic modifications of the 4q D4Z4 repeated region and expression of DUX4 retrogene. This review highlights the complexities and challenges of diagnosing and managing FSHD, underscoring the importance of standardized approaches for optimal patient outcomes. It emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary care in addressing the diverse manifestations of FSHD across different age groups, from skeletal abnormalities in early-onset cases to the often-subclinical multisystem involvement in adults. With no current cure, the focus on alleviating symptoms and slowing disease progression through coordinated care is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most frequent cause of acquired myopathy, toxic myopathies are characterised by clinicopathological features that vary depending on the mode of action of the drugs or toxins involved. Although a large number of substances can induce myotoxicity, the main culprits are statins, alcohol, and corticosteroids. A rigorous, well-organised diagnostic approach is necessary to obtain a rapid diagnosis. For early diagnosis and management, it is important for clinicians to be aware that most toxic myopathies are potentially reversible, and the goal of treatment should be to avoid serious muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2011 to 2012, Northern Vietnam suffered its first large-scale hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemic. Two sets of official guidelines were issued during the outbreak to handle the HFMD crisis. The city of Hai Phong was used as a model to analyze the impact of the released guidelines. A total of 9621 HFMD cases were reported in Hai Phong city from April 2011 to December 2012. Three distinct waves of HFMD occurred. Enterovirus A71 and Coxsackievirus A16 were successively associated with the epidemics. Two periods, before and after the guidelines' release, could be distinguished and characterized by different patient patterns. The time to admission and severity changed notably. Guideline publications help the health system refocus on the 0.5–3 years age group with the highest incidence of the disease. The three waves showed different special distribution, but the main routes of infection were rivers and local secondary roads, most likely through local trade and occupational movements of people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Muscle architecture is associated with motor performance and muscle injury. While muscle architecture and knee-flexor eccentric strength change with growth, the influence of anthropometric measures on these properties is rarely considered. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hamstring muscle architecture and knee-flexor eccentric strength with anthropometric measurements. Methods: Sixty male footballers (16.6 [1.05] y) from the U16, U17, and U19 teams of an elite soccer club were included in this study. Fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semimembranosus muscles were measured in both legs using ultrasound. Knee-flexor eccentric strength, height, body mass, leg length, femur length, and peak height velocity (PHV) were measured within 1 week of the ultrasound images. A stepwise regression and 1-way analysis of variance tests were used to evaluate the effects of age, maturity, and anthropometric measurements on muscle properties. Results: Variance within BFlh and semimembranosus muscle thickness (r <.61), semimembranosus pennation angle (r <.58), and knee-flexor eccentric strength (r =.50) were highly related to body mass. We observed no significant correlations between muscle architecture and age (P >.29). However, moderately greater BFlh muscle thickness was shown for the post-PHV compared with the PHV group (effect size ± 90% CI: 0.72 ± 0.49). Conclusions: In conclusion, weak correlations between muscle architecture and anthropometric measurements suggest that other factors (ie, genetics, training regimen) influence muscle architecture. The moderate effect of maturity on BFlh muscle thickness strongly suggests post-PHV hypertrophy of the BFlh muscle. Our results confirmed previous findings that eccentric knee-flexor strength is influenced by body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and utility of a deep learning (DL)‐based reconstruction for improving the SNR of hyperpolarized 129Xe lung ventilation MRI. Methods: 129Xe lung ventilation MRI data acquired from patients with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were retrospectively reconstructed with a commercial DL reconstruction pipeline at five different denoising levels. Quantitative imaging metrics of lung ventilation including ventilation defect percentage (VDP) and ventilation heterogeneity index (VHI) were compared between each set of DL‐reconstructed images and alternative denoising strategies including: filtering, total variation denoising and higher‐order singular value decomposition. Structural similarity between the denoised and original images was assessed. In a prospective study, the feasibility of using SNR gains from DL reconstruction to allow natural‐abundance xenon MRI was evaluated in healthy volunteers. Results: 129Xe ventilation image SNR was improved with DL reconstruction when compared with conventionally reconstructed images. In patients with asthma and/or COPD, DL‐reconstructed images exhibited a slight positive bias in ventilation defect percentage (1.3% at 75% denoising) and ventilation heterogeneity index (˜1.4) when compared with conventionally reconstructed images. Additionally, DL‐reconstructed images preserved structural similarity more effectively than data denoised using alternative approaches. DL reconstruction greatly improved image SNR (greater than threefold), to a level that 129Xe ventilation imaging using natural‐abundance xenon appears feasible. Conclusion: DL‐based image reconstruction significantly improves 129Xe ventilation image SNR, preserves structural similarity, and leads to a minor bias in ventilation metrics that can be attributed to differences in the image sharpness. This tool should help facilitate cost‐effective 129Xe ventilation imaging with natural‐abundance xenon in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon photonics is a promising technology for the fabrication of dense photonic chips, thanks to the very mature silicon industry. The direct epitaxial growth of III–V lasers on silicon is one of the main challenges for the realization of compact and robust mid-infrared sensors based on photonic integrated circuits. The crystal defects arising from this heteroepitaxial growth affect the laser performance and, therefore, need to be mitigated but also studied to better understand their impact on the laser operation. Here, we studied the effect of threading dislocations on laser performance by comparing the series of GaSb-based diode lasers grown on native GaSb and Si substrates with different numbers of quantum wells (nQW) in their active zones. As expected, the laser threshold currents are higher in the case of diode lasers on Si, and they rapidly vary with nQW. Still, the lowest threshold current densities are achieved with nQW = 1 for both substrates. With the help of a theoretical gain model, we attribute these results to the fact that dislocations create non-radiative recombination but do not introduce additional optical losses. This work allows a better understanding of the origin of performance degradation and the decision to be made regarding the heterostructure design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical implementation of many quantum algorithms known today is limited by the coherence time of the executing quantum hardware and quantum sampling noise. Here we present a machine learning algorithm, NISQRC, for qubit-based quantum systems that enables inference on temporal data over durations unconstrained by decoherence. NISQRC leverages mid-circuit measurements and deterministic reset operations to reduce circuit executions, while still maintaining an appropriate length persistent temporal memory in the quantum system, confirmed through the proposed Volterra Series analysis. This enables NISQRC to overcome not only limitations imposed by finite coherence, but also information scrambling in monitored circuits and sampling noise, problems that persist even in hypothetical fault-tolerant quantum computers that have yet to be realized. To validate our approach, we consider the channel equalization task to recover test signal symbols that are subject to a distorting channel. Through simulations and experiments on a 7-qubit quantum processor we demonstrate that NISQRC can recover arbitrarily long test signals, not limited by coherence time. Inherent limitations on continuously measured quantum systems calls into question whether they could even in principle be used for online learning. Here, the authors experimentally demonstrate a quantum machine learning framework for inference on streaming data of arbitrary length, and provide a theory with criteria for the utility of their algorithm for inference on streaming data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BH3‐mediated reduction of P‐stereogenic hydroxyalkylphosphine oxides was investigated by Density Functional Theory calculations. By combining theoretical approaches with experimental observations, we explored two mechanisms that account for its stereospecificity, implying an inversion of the configuration at the phosphorus atom. One mechanism proceeds through a cyclic intermediate in which the coordination of borane to the oxygen atoms lowers the BH3.THF‐attack barrier. However, the free energy barrier for this combined process is too high for a reaction feasible at room temperature. The calculations rather support a second mechanism that proceeds through from the same cyclic intermediate and the in‐situ formation of BH4− as reducing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Our study aims to uncover glycaemic phenotype heterogeneity in type 1 diabetes. Methods: In the Study of the French-speaking Society of Type 1 Diabetes (SFDT1), we characterised glycaemic heterogeneity thanks to a set of complementary metrics: HbA1c, time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), CV, Gold score and glycaemia risk index (GRI). Applying the Discriminative Dimensionality Reduction with Trees (DDRTree) algorithm, we created a phenotypic tree, i.e. a 2D visual mapping. We also carried out a clustering analysis for comparison. Results: We included 618 participants with type 1 diabetes (52.9% men, mean age 40.6 years [SD 14.1]). Our phenotypic tree identified seven glycaemic phenotypes. The 2D phenotypic tree comprised a main branch in the proximal region and glycaemic phenotypes in the distal areas. Dimension 1, the horizontal dimension, was positively associated with GRI (coefficient [95% CI]) (0.54 [0.52, 0.57]), HbA1c (0.39 [0.35, 0.42]), CV (0.24 [0.19, 0.28]) and TBR (0.11 [0.06, 0.15]), and negatively with TIR (−0.52 [−0.54, −0.49]). The vertical dimension was positively associated with TBR (0.41 [0.38, 0.44]), CV (0.40 [0.37, 0.43]), TIR (0.16 [0.12, 0.20]), Gold score (0.10 [0.06, 0.15]) and GRI (0.06 [0.02, 0.11]), and negatively with HbA1c (−0.21 [−0.25, −0.17]). Notably, socioeconomic factors, cardiovascular risk indicators, retinopathy and treatment strategy were significant determinants of glycaemic phenotype diversity. The phenotypic tree enabled more granularity than traditional clustering in revealing clinically relevant subgroups of people with type 1 diabetes. Conclusions/interpretation: Our study advances the current understanding of the complex glycaemic profile in people with type 1 diabetes and suggests that strategies based on isolated glycaemic metrics might not capture the complexity of the glycaemic phenotypes in real life. Relying on these phenotypes could improve patient stratification in type 1 diabetes care and personalise disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Investigate acute locomotor, internal (heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)) and neuromuscular responses to using wearable resistance loading for soccer-specific training. Methods: Twenty-six footballers from a French 5th division team completed a 9-week parallel-group training intervention (intervention group: n = 14, control: n = 12). The intervention group trained with wearable resistance (200-g on each posterior, distal-calf) for full-training sessions on Day + 2, D + 4 and unloaded on D + 5. Between-group differences in locomotor (GPS) and internal load were analyzed for full-training sessions and game simulation drills. Neuromuscular status was evaluated using pre- and post-training box-to-box runs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-modelling, effect size ±90% confidence limits (ES ± 90%CL) and magnitude-based decisions. Results: Full-training sessions: Relative to the control, the wearable resistance group showed greater total distance (ES [lower, upper limits]: 0.25 [0.06, 0.44]), sprint distance (0.27 [0.08, 0.46]) and mechanical work (0.32 [0.13, 0.51]). Small game simulation (<190 m2/player): wearable resistance group showed small decreases in mechanical work (0.45 [0.14, 0.76]) and moderately lower average HR (0.68 [0.02, 1.34]). Large game simulation (>190 m2/player): no meaningful between-group differences were observed for all variables. Training induced small to moderate neuromuscular fatigue increases during post-training compared to pre-training box-to-box runs for both groups (Wearable resistance: 0.46 [0.31, 0.61], Control: 0.73 [0.53, 0.93]). Conclusion: For full training, wearable resistance induced higher locomotor responses, without affecting internal responses. Locomotor and internal outputs varied in response to game simulation size. Football-specific training with wearable resistance did not impact neuromuscular status differently than unloaded training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Play is thought to serve different purposes at different times during ontogeny. The nature and frequency of play are expected to change accordingly over the developmental trajectory and with socio-ecological context. Orangutans offer the opportunity to disentangle the ontogenetic trajectories of solitary and social play with their extended immature phase, and socio-ecological variation among populations and species. We evaluated the frequency of play in 39 immature individuals across two populations (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii, at Tuanan, Borneo, and P. abelii at Suaq, Sumatra), age (0–11 years), sex, and social context, using more than 11 500 h of full-day focal observation data. We found independent age trajectories of different play types, with solitary object and solitary locomotor peaking before social play. Social play partners changed during ontogeny, and male immatures were more likely to engage in non-mother social play than females. Overall, social play was more frequent at Suaq than Tuanan, linked to the more frequent availability of partners. Furthermore, per time in association with conspecifics, Tuanan immatures were as likely to engage in social play as their peers at Suaq, suggesting similar intrinsic motivation. Increasing fruit availability correlated with both longer associations and increased social play frequency in the less sociable population of Tuanan, but not at Suaq. Our findings on orangutans support evidence from other species that different play types follow different developmental trajectories, vary with sex, social opportunities, and ecological context. Although drawing functional inferences is challenging, the distinct developmental trajectories reflecting adult sociability and behavioral repertoires may indicate that play serves several, non-mutually exclusive functions during ontogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary transitions in individuality are events in the history of life leading to the emergence of new levels of individuality. Recent studies have described an ecological scaffolding scenario of such transitions focused on the evolutionary consequences of an externally imposed renewing meta-population structure with limited dispersal. One difficulty for such a scenario has been explaining the stability of collective-level traits when scaffolding conditions no longer apply. Here, we show that the stability of scaffolded traits can rely on evolutionary hysteresis: even if the environment is reverted to an ancestral state, collectives do not return to ancestral phenotypes. We describe this phenomenon using a stochastic meta-population model and adaptive dynamics. Further, we show that ecological scaffolding may be limited to Goldilocks zones of the environment. We conjecture that Goldilocks zones—even if they might be rare—could act as initiators of evolutionary transitions and help to explain the near ubiquity of collective-level individuality. The stability of newly emerged collective-level traits during an evolutionary transition in individuality under the ecological-scaffolding scenario is not fully explained. Here, the authors use a stochastic meta-population model and adaptive dynamics to show that evolutionary hysteresis supports this stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study aimed to: (1) investigate sleep architecture in response to an overload training and taper periods among endurance runners; and (2) assess the sleep benefits of a high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper. Twenty‐one trained male endurance runners performed a 2‐week usual training regimen (baseline) followed by 2‐week overload and taper periods. From overload to the end of the taper period, they were assigned into two groups based on the mattress topper used: high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper (n = 11) or low‐heat‐capacity mattress topper (n = 10). Training load was assessed daily using the session rating of perceived exertion. Following each period, sleep was monitored by polysomnography, and nocturnal core body temperature was recorded throughout the night. Irrespective of the group, awakening episodes > 5 min decreased following overload compared with baseline (−0.48, p = 0.05). Independently of mattress topper, each 100 A.U. increase in 7‐day training load prior to polysomnographic recording was associated with higher slow‐wave sleep proportion (β = +0.13%; p = 0.05), lower sleep‐onset latency (β = −0.49 min; p = 0.05), and a reduction in the probability of transition from N1 sleep stage to wakefulness (β = −0.12%; p = 0.05). Sleeping on a high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper did not affect any sleep variable compared with a low‐heat‐capacity mattress topper. Increased training loads promote slow‐wave sleep and sleep propensity, highlighting the adaptative nature of sleep to diurnal activity and the role of sleep in physiological recovery. Further studies are required on the potential benefits of high‐heat‐capacity mattress toppers on sleep architecture among athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-1 entry into CD4+ T lymphocytes relies on the viral and cellular membranes' fusion, leading to viral capsid delivery in the target cell cytoplasm. Atg8/LC3B conjugation to lipids, process named Atg8ylation mainly studied in the context of macroautophagy/autophagy, occurs transiently in the early stages of HIV-1 replication in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Despite numerous studies investigating the HIV-1-autophagy interplays, the Atg8ylation impact in these early stages of infection remains unknown. Here we found that HIV-1 exposure leads to the rapid LC3B enrichment toward the target cell plasma membrane, in close proximity with the incoming viral particles. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Atg8ylation is a key event facilitating HIV-1 entry in target CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, this effect is independent of canonical autophagy as ATG13 silencing does not prevent HIV-1 entry. Together, our results provide an unconventional role of LC3B conjugation subverted by HIV-1 to achieve a critical step of its replication cycle. Abbreviations: BafA1: bafilomycin A1; BlaM: beta-lactamase; CD4+ TL: CD4+ T lymphocytes; PtdIns3K-BECN1 complex: BECN1-containing class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex; Env: HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins; HIV-1: type 1 human immunodeficiency virus; PM: plasma membrane; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; VLP: virus-like particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HFMD outbreak spread over the city of Hải Phòng from summer 2011 to autumn 2012. This epidemic was chosen because it was the very first HFMD epidemic in North Vietnam, eliminating thus interferences with previous outbreaks. This epidemic displayed three separate waves. A complete dataset was collected for more than 9500 patients during this period, which enabled us to analyze this epidemic at different scales. Access to the healthcare system was crucial during this period, which was possible due to a reorganization of the system in February–March 2012. An analysis at the commune level enabled us to track the epidemic along certain communication routes. The three-waves structure reveals a wide disparity at the district level. We developed a mathematical model showing high accuracy at the adjustment of data for both the total number of cases and for the number of cases per week. As a consequence, the model was able to accurately determine the dates of the beginning and end of each wave and to show that they overlapped. Using mathematical functions associated with this model, it was possible to calculate the probability for a patient to belong to a specific wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted in Djibouti, East Africa, has found the presence of a dangerous strain of bacteria called hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) in both humans and fish. This strain is resistant to last-resort antibiotics and exhibits multidrug-resistance phenotypes. The study suggests that these bacteria may be spreading in the environment, emphasizing the need for further research and measures to prevent their spread. The study also found that the CR-hvKP isolates carried hybrid resistance/virulence plasmids, containing both antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes. This indicates the emergence and possible dissemination of CR-hvKP in Africa and raises concerns about the contamination of surface waters by these bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

Alternative transcription start site (TSS) usage regulation has been identified as a major means of gene expression regulation in metazoans. However, in fungi, its impact remains elusive as its study has thus far been restricted to model yeasts. Here, we first re-analyzed TSS-seq data to define genuine TSS clusters in 2 species of pathogenic Cryptococcus. We identified 2 types of TSS clusters associated with specific DNA sequence motifs. Our analysis also revealed that alternative TSS usage regulation in response to environmental cues is widespread in Cryptococcus, altering gene expression and protein targeting. Importantly, we performed a forward genetic screen to identify a unique transcription factor (TF) named Tur1, which regulates alternative TSS (altTSS) usage genome-wide when cells switch from exponential phase to stationary phase. ChiP-Seq and DamID-Seq analyses suggest that at some loci, the role of Tur1 might be direct. Tur1 has been previously shown to be essential for virulence in C. neoformans. We demonstrated here that a tur1Δ mutant strain is more sensitive to superoxide stress and phagocytosed more efficiently by macrophages than the wild-type (WT) strain. Alternative transcription start site (altTSS) usage is one of the major means of gene regulation in animals but is unknown in non-yeast fungi. This study reveals widespread altTSS in Cryptococcus that alters gene expression and protein targeting, regulated by a single transcription factor, Tur1, in response to environmental cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) present clinicians with the challenge of managing immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can range from mild to severe due to immune system activation. While guidelines recommend discontinuing ICIs for grade 3 partial and all grade 4 irAEs, there is growing interest in rechallenging patients based on oncological outcomes, particularly for cardiovascular and neurological irAEs where data remains scarce. We retrospectively evaluated the safety of ICI rechallenge following grade 3-4 irAEs, specifically focusing on cardiovascular and neurological events, in patients discussed at our multidisciplinary immunotoxicity assessment board between 2019 and 2021. Fifteen patients were included, with a median time to severe irAE onset of 49 days. Among them, five patients experienced neurological adverse events (NAEs): aseptic meningitis (3), inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (1), and ophthalmoplegia (1), while one patient presented with myocarditis. Of the 15 patients retreated with ICIs after initial severe irAEs, 11 (73%) remained free of subsequent irAEs, two (13%) experienced recurrence of the initial irAE, and two (13%) developed new irAEs distinct from the initial event. The median time to event recurrence was 69 days, occurring no earlier than the initial severe irAE. In the subset analysis focusing on severe cardiovascular and neurological irAEs, rechallenge with ICIs was generally well tolerated. However, one patient treated with anti-PD1 experienced a relapse of grade 2 aseptic meningitis. Overall, our findings suggest that rechallenging with ICIs after severe irAEs, including those affecting the cardiovascular and neurological systems, may be safe, particularly after irAE regression and corticosteroid withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interferometric control of dissipation in a two-port system is a fruitful concept enabling the enhancement or cancellation of the input amplitudes as a function of their relative phases. Here, beyond the canonical configuration of Coherent Perfect Absorption (CPA), we apply this concept to two simultaneously excited strongly-coupled nanoscale electromechanical resonators submitted to independently controlled phase-shifted excitations. Both subsystems are read simultaneously by optical means allowing us to completely reconstruct the signature of coherent annihilation or amplification on both quadrature. We evidence that the mechanical modes amplitude can be enhanced or inhibited with respect to the case of single port excitation while phase experiences strong variations with the excitation imbalance and phase difference. Meanwhile, phase singularities with opposite topological charges are observed for mechanical normal modes. Close to the phase singularity, we demonstrate that the input of a weak phase modulation induces a large, pure phase modulation of the normal mode. These experimental demonstrations are fully modelled via the mechanical dynamical equations of our system. The interferometric control may open avenues for low-power amplitude controlled phase modulation schemes and vice-versa for potential switches and logical gates. Coherent perfect absorption allows to entirely dissipate the energy impinging on both single and multimode systems, but it typically does not allow for a control of the phase quadratures. Here, the authors implement coherent interferometric control of the phase quadratures in two strongly-coupled electromechanical nanoresonators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Targeting of angiogenesis has become a major therapeutic approach for the treatment of various advanced cancers. There are many unresolved questions on the toxicity of anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Objective: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the toxicity prevalence of the different anti-angiogenic TKIs among cancer patients and in subpopulations of interest including patients with renal cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases to November 2023. Clinical trials were eligible if they set out to report the grade ≥3 toxicities related to one of the seven currently approved anti-angiogenic TKIs as monotherapies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was applied with PROSPERO (CRD42023411946). Results: The 421 eligible studies included a total of 56,895 cancer patients treated with anti-angiogenic TKI monotherapy. Twenty-four different cancer types were identified, mainly renal cell carcinoma (41.9% of the patients). The anti-angiogenic TKI was sorafenib (34.5% of the patients), sunitinib (30.5%), regorafenib (10.7%), pazopanib (9.4%), cabozantinib (7.7%), axitinib (4.3%), and lenvatinib (2.9%). The pooled prevalence of grade 3 and 4 toxicities was 56.1% (95% confidence interval 53.5–58.6), with marked between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 96.8%). Toxicity profiles varied considerably depending on the type of TKI, the cancer type, and the specific patient characteristics. In particular, Asian patients and elderly people had higher prevalences of severe toxicities, with pazopanib being the best-tolerated drug. For patients treated with sunitinib, particularly those with metastatic RCC, there was no significant difference in terms of toxicity according to the regimen schedule. Conclusions: This meta-analysis highlights the toxicity profiles of anti-angiogenic TKI monotherapies, and thus enables high-level recommendations for the choice of anti-angiogenic TKIs on the basis of the patient's age, ethnicity, comorbidities, and comedications, for personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a methodology for normative evaluation when preferences are context-dependent. We offer a precise definition of context-dependence and formulate a normative criterion of self-determination , according to which one situation is better than another if individuals are aware of more potential contexts of a choice problem. We provide two interpretations of our normative approach: an extension of Sugden's opportunity criterion and an application of Sen's positional views in his theory of justice. Our proposition is consistent with Muldoon's and Gaus' approaches of public reason in social contract theory, which account for the diversity of perspectives in non-ideal worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor neuron disorders comprise a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous group of neurologic diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (including both sporadic and hereditary diseases), affecting the upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons, or both. Hereditary motor neuron disorders themselves represent a vast and heterogeneous group, with numerous clinical and genetic overlaps that can be a source of error. This narrative review aims at providing an overview of the main types of inherited motor neuron disorders by recounting the stages in their historical descriptions. For practical purposes, this review of the literature sets out their various clinical characteristics and updates the list of all the genes involved in the various forms of inherited motor neuron disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia, distal hereditary motor neuropathies/neuronopathies, Kennedy's disease, riboflavin transporter deficiencies, VCPopathy and the neurogenic scapuloperoneal syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy (XMEA) linked to the VMA21 gene leads to autophagy failure with progressive vacuolation and atrophy of skeletal muscles. Current knowledge of this rare disease is limited. Our objective was to define the clinical, radiological, and natural history of XMEA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study collecting clinical, genetic, muscle imaging, and biopsy data of XMEA patients followed in France and reviewed the literature for additional cases. Results: Eighteen males had genetically confirmed XMEA in France, carrying four different VMA21 variants. Mean age at disease onset was 9.4 ± 9.9 (range 1–40) years. In 14/18 patients (77.8%), onset occurred during childhood (< 15 years); however in four patients, the disease started in adulthood. Patients had anterior and medial compartment thigh muscle weakness, distal contractures (56.3%), elevated CK levels (1287.9 ± 757.8 U/l) and autophagic vacuoles with sarcolemmal features on muscle histopathology. Muscle MRI (n = 10) showed a characteristic pattern of lower limb muscle involvement. In 11 patients, outcome measures were available for an average follow-up period of 10.6 ± 9.8 years and six of them show disease progression. Mean change of functional outcomes was 0.5 ± 1.2 points for Brooke and 2.2 ± 2.5 points for Vignos score, 7/16 patients (43.8%) needed a walking aid and 3/16 (18.8%) were wheelchair-bound (median age of 40 years old, range 39–48). The variant c.164-7 T > G was associated with a later onset of symptoms. Respiratory insufficiency was common (57.1%) but cardiac involvement rare (12.5%). Interpretation: XMEA has variable age of onset, but a characteristic clinical, histopathological, and muscle imaging presentation, guiding the diagnosis. Although slowly, motor disability progresses with time, and relevant genotype–phenotype correlations will help design future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of arbuscular mycorrhiza relies on a plant signaling pathway that can be activated by fungal chitinic signals such as short-chain chitooligosaccharides and lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs). The tomato LysM receptor-like kinase SlLYK10 has high affinity for LCOs and is involved in root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); however, its role in LCO responses has not yet been studied. Here, we show that SlLYK10 proteins produced by the Sllyk10-1 and Sllyk10-2 mutant alleles, which both cause decreases in AMF colonization and carry mutations in LysM1 and 2, respectively, have similar LCO-binding affinities compared to the WT SlLYK10. However, the mutant forms were no longer able to induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana when co-expressed with MtLYK3, a Medicago truncatula LCO co-receptor, while they physically interacted with MtLYK3 in co-purification experiments. This suggests that the LysM mutations affect the ability of SlLYK10 to trigger signaling through a potential co-receptor rather than its ability to bind LCOs. Interestingly, tomato lines that contain a calcium (Ca2+) concentration reporter [genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECO)], showed Ca2+ spiking in response to LCO applications, but this occurred only in inner cell layers of the roots, while short-chain chitooligosaccharides also induced Ca2+ spiking in the epidermis. Moreover, LCO-induced Ca2+ spiking was decreased in Sllyk10-1 * GECO plants, suggesting that the decrease in AMF colonization in Sllyk10-1 is due to abnormal LCO signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct an antihalo void catalogue of 150 voids with radii |$R \gt 10\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$| in the Local Super-Volume (⁠|$\lt 135\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$| from the Milky Way), using posterior resimulation of initial conditions inferred by field-level inference with Bayesian Origin Reconstruction from Galaxies (borg). We describe and make use of a new algorithm for creating a single, unified void catalogue by combining different samples from the posterior. The catalogue is complete out to |$135\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$|⁠ , with void abundances matching theoretical predictions. Finally, we compute stacked density profiles of those voids which are reliably identified across posterior samples, and show that these are compatible with Λ cold dark matter expectations once environmental selection (e.g. the estimated |$\sim 4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| underdensity of the Local Super-Volume) is accounted for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Escherichia coli is frequently responsible for bloodstream infections (BSIs). Among digestive BSIs, biliary infections appear to be less severe. Respective roles of host factors, bacterial determinants (phylogroups, virulence, and antibiotic resistance), and portal of entry on outcome are unknown. Methods Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 770 episodes of E coli BSI were analyzed and isolates sequenced (Illumina technology) comparing phylogroups, multilocus sequence type, virulence, and resistance gene content. BSI isolates were compared with 362 commensal E coli from healthy subjects. Results Among 770 episodes, 135 were biliary, 156 nonbiliary digestive, and 479 urinary. Compared to urinary infections, BSIs of digestive origin occurred significantly more in men, comorbid, and immunocompromised patients. Digestive portal of entry was significantly associated with septic shock and death. Among digestive infections, patients with biliary infections were less likely to die (P =.032), despite comparable initial severity. Biliary E coli resembled commensals (phylogroup distribution, sequence type, and few virulence-associated genes) whereas nonbiliary digestive and urinary strains carried many virulence-associated genes. Conclusions Escherichia coli strains responsible for biliary infections exhibit commensal characteristics and are associated with lower mortality rates, despite similar initial severity, than other digestive BSIs. Biliary drainage in addition to antibiotics in the management of biliary infections may explain improved outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic retroelements are generally divided into two classes: long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons and non-LTR retrotransposons. A third class of eukaryotic retroelement, the Penelope-like elements (PLEs), has been well-characterized bioinformatically, but relatively little is known about the transposition mechanism of these elements. PLEs share some features with the R2 retrotransposon from Bombyx mori, which uses a target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism, but their distinct phylogeny suggests PLEs may utilize a novel mechanism of mobilization. Using protein purified from E. coli, we report unique in vitro properties of a PLE from the green anole (Anolis carolinensis), revealing mechanistic aspects not shared by other retrotransposons. We found that reverse transcription is initiated at two adjacent sites within the transposon RNA that is not homologous to the cleaved DNA, a feature that is reflected in the genomic "tail" signature shared between and unique to PLEs. Our results for the first active PLE in vitro provide a starting point for understanding PLE mobilization and biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic faults are known to exhibit a high level of spatial and temporal complexity, and the causes and consequences of this complexity have been the topic of numerous research works in the past decade. In this paper, we investigate the origins and the structure of this complexity by considering a numerical model of laboratory earthquake experiment, where we introduce a fault with homogeneous mechanical properties but allow it to evolve spontaneously to its natural level of complexity. This is achieved by coupling the elastic deformability of the off‐fault medium (and therefore allowing for heterogeneous stress fields to develop) and the discrete degradation and gouge formation at the fault plane (and therefore allowing for structural heterogeneity to develop). Numerical results show the development of persistent stress, damage, and gouge thickness heterogeneities, with a much larger variability in space than in time. Strong positive correlations are found between these quantities, which suggest a positive feedback between local normal stress and damage rate, only mildly mitigated by the mobility of the granular gouge in the interface. For a wide range of confining stresses, after a sufficient number of seismic cycles, the fault reaches a state of established disorder with a constant roughness, a certain amount of periodicity at the millimetric scale, and a power law decay of the Power Spectral Density at smaller spatial scales. The typical height‐to‐wavelength ratio of geometrical asperities and the correlations between stress and damage profiles are in good agreement with previous field or lab estimates. Plain Language Summary: Earthquakes occur on faults in the Earth curst, and these faults are known to be highly complex, both from a geometrical and structural point of view. This complexity is now introduced artificially in many numerical and theoretical models of faults in order to derive meaningful knowledge related to earthquake mechanics. There is little knowledge, however, about the way this complexity develops. In this paper, we employ a numerical model to observe the spontaneous development of this complexity, in order to understand its origin, its structure, and its evolution. Key Points: A coupled discrete‐continuum model of laboratory earthquakes allows the spontaneous development of fault complexity along seismic cyclesFault heterogeneity is persistent in space and time, with a strong positive correlation between normal stress, damage, and gouge thicknessStress fields exhibit a millimetric periodicity and a self‐affinity at smaller scales, in quantitative agreement with previous estimates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Athletics (Track and Field), athletes can be affected by injuries, especially in their quest for top performance. Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the problem of injuries in Athletics. Main findings: It is necessary to maintain a clear definition of "injury" when stakeholders in Athletics discuss clinical, administrative, and/or research perspectives. There are several possible methodological approaches to collect injury data in Athletics depending on the context, population, and injury definition. In general, about two thirds of Athletics athletes sustain at least one injury during an Athletics season, and there are about 100 injuries per 1000 registered athletes during an international championship. The injury rates and characteristics vary by sex and discipline. The injuries can affect athletes physically, psychologically, and socially, with short- and long-term consequences for musculoskeletal function, athletics performance and athletics career. Although it is logical to try to reduce the injury risk, little scientific evidence is currently available to help Athletics-related stakeholders. Conclusions: Injury can currently be considered as an omnipresent problem in Athletics, which affects their practice, with consequences on performance and health. Injury risk is today an undeniable part of the life of Athletics athletes, which implies that there is a pressing need to continue the development of injury risk reduction strategies, to scientifically evaluate their efficacy, and to implement them in sports practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This ABIGENE pharmacokinetic (PK) study sought mainly to characterize the unchanged drug PK during long-term abiraterone acetate (AA) administration in advanced prostate cancer patients (81 patients). It was observed that individual AA concentrations remained constant over treatment time, with no noticeable changes during repeated long-term drug administration for up to 120 days. There was no correlation between AA concentrations and survival outcomes. However, a significant association between higher AA concentrations and better clinical benefit was observed (p = 0.041). The safety data did not correlate with the AA PK data. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.40, p < 0.001) was observed between mean AA concentration and patient age: the older the patient, the higher the AA concentration. Patient age was found to impact steady-state AA concentration: the older the patient, the higher the mean AA concentration. Altogether, these data may help to guide future research and clinical trials in order to maximize the benefits of AA metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dihydrogen (H2) sector is undergoing development and will require massive storage solutions. To minimize costs, the conversion of underground geological storage sites, such as deep aquifers, used for natural gas storage into future underground hydrogen storage sites is the favored scenario. However, these sites contain microorganisms capable of consuming H2, mainly sulfate reducers and methanogens. Methanogenesis is, therefore expected but its intensity must be evaluated. Here, in a deep aquifer used for underground geological storage, 17 sites were sampled, with low sulfate concentrations ranging from 21.9 to 197.8 µM and a slow renewal of formation water. H2-selected communities mainly were composed of the families Methanobacteriaceae and Methanothermobacteriaceae and the genera Desulfovibrio, Thermodesulfovibrio , and Desulforamulus. Experiments were done under different conditions, and sulfate reduction, as well as methanogenesis, were demonstrated in the presence of a H2 or H2/CO2 (80/20) gas phase, with or without calcite/site rock. These metabolisms led to an increase in pH up to 10.2 under certain conditions (without CO2). The results suggest competition for CO2 between lithoautotrophs and carbonate mineral precipitation, which could limit microbial H2 consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) as a global public health threat, with a focus on two cases of IMI-producing Enterobacter ludwigii colonization at Montpellier University Hospital in France. The isolates were found to harbor the blaNMC-A gene, encoding a carbapenemase similar to IMI-type carbapenemases. The study suggests a potential community source of contamination, possibly linked to aquatic environments or seafood consumption, highlighting the need for a One Health approach to study CPE dissemination and prevent gene spread. [Extracted from the article]