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The Midwest (MW) United States (US) is a significant agricultural region sensitive to changes in the local precipitation patterns. Using a Bayesian statistical model, daily regional precipitation is categorized into three classes: light, moderate, and heavy. Results indicate that moderate and heavy precipitation events have been increasing since 1970 at a rate of two days per decade while light precipitation events have been decreasing. To determine the moisture sources for MW US precipitation, a moisture backtracking model is employed. Land is the dominant moisture source contributor to MW US precipitation, but oceanic sources become more important with increasing precipitation intensity. Moisture is transported from the southern oceanic regions to the MW US via the Great Plains Low-Level Jet (GPLLJ), which is strengthened by a northwest displacement of the North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH) Western Ridge (WR). The positioning of the NASH WR is determined by a wave train originating over the Pacific Ocean that creates a dipole over the US with an anomalous low over the Western US and an anomalous high over the Eastern US. These circulations facilitate a stronger GPLLJ and transport excess ocean moisture to the precipitation region. Additionally, warmer sea surface temperatures yield greater evaporation rates twelve days prior to the heavy precipitation events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of radiomic features extracted from postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans of the lateral cerebral ventricles (LCVs) to provide information on the time since death, or postmortem interval (PMI), a critical aspect of forensic medicine. Periodic PMCT scans, referred to as "sequential scans", were obtained from twelve corpses with known times of death, ranging from 5.5 to 273 h postmortem. Radiomics features were then extracted from the LCVs, and a mixed-effect model, specifically designed for sequential data, was employed to assess the association between feature values and PMI. Four model variants were fitted to the data to identify the best functional form to explain the relationship between the variables. Significant associations were observed for features, the most significant being the median Hounsfield Units (HU) within the LCVs (p < 9.47 × 10⁻⁹), LCVs surface area (p < 4.69 × 10⁻⁶), L-major axis (p < 2.17 × 10⁻⁵), L-minor axis (p < 1.30 × 10⁻⁴), and HU entropy (p < 4.16 × 10⁻⁴). Our findings align with previous studies, supporting a logarithmic model for PMI-related changes in LCV volume and mean HU intensity value. This study highlights the potential of PMCT-based radiomics as source of complementary information that could be integrated into existing methods for PMI estimation. Our results support the application of a quantitative imaging approach in forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) secondary to hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) often requires surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery, which frequently fail to provide satisfactory outcomes and are associated with severe side effects. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) may represent a minimally invasive surgical approach to HH by offering precise thermal ablation of sub-millimetric brain targets while sparing surrounding structures. Methods: We present the case of a 19-year-old man with HH-associated DRE, who was successfully treated with MRgFUS. The procedure resulted in effective ablation of the hypothalamic interface of the HH, disconnecting the epileptogenic lesion from the surrounding brain tissue. We also reviewed the literature on MRgFUS for DRE. Results: The patient experienced a complete resolution of seizures and significant improvements in social and occupational functioning over an 18-month follow-up period. No neurological, cognitive, or endocrinological adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Our case report and literature review suggest that MRgFUS may achieve adequate seizure control in DRE associated with HH without adverse effects. While MRgFUS shows promise for other forms of DRE, data remain preliminary, and some safety concerns persist. Further studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to better support the use of MRgFUS in DRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaffolds used in tissue engineering can be obtained from synthetic or natural materials, always focusing the effort on mimicking the extracellular matrix of human native tissue. In this study, a decellularization process is used to obtain an acellular, biocompatible non-cytotoxic human pericardium graft as a bio-substitute. An enzymatic and hypertonic method was used to decellularize the pericardium. Histological analyses were performed to determine the absence of cells and ensure the integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In order to measure the effect of the decellularization process on the tissue's biological and mechanical properties, residual genetic content and ECM biomolecules (collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan) were quantified and the tissue's tensile strength was tested. Preservation of the biomolecules, a residual genetic content below 50 ng/mg dry tissue, and maintenance of the histological structure provided evidence for the efficacy of the decellularization process, while preserving the ECM. Moreover, the acellular tissue retains its mechanical properties, as shown by the biomechanical tests. Our group has shown that the acellular pericardial matrix obtained through the super-fast decellularization protocol developed recently retains the desired biomechanical and structural properties, suggesting that it is suitable for a broad range of clinical indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous air pollutants with well-documented carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic effects. This study investigates the chemical composition and sources of PAHs in Kraków, a city characterized by diverse air quality challenges. PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected during the winter seasons of 2014 and 2015, enabling a detailed assessment of PAH concentrations and their atmospheric transformations. The results indicate that PAH levels frequently exceeded European Union and World Health Organization limits, with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) reaching peak concentrations of 38.8 ng m−3 in PM10 and 30.2 ng m−3 in PM2.5, highlighting significant health risks. To determine PAH sources, a chemical-based framework integrating diagnostic ratios, receptor modeling, and backward trajectory analysis was applied. The findings reveal that coal and biomass combustion were dominant PAH contributors, with additional influences from vehicular emissions and industrial activities. The BaP/(BaP + BeP) ratio suggested that PAHs in PM2.5 underwent more atmospheric aging than those in PM10, indicating that finer particles play a crucial role in PAH transport and transformation. Furthermore, correlations with inorganic and organic PM constituents, such as chloride and levoglucosan, underscored the mixed influence of fossil fuel and biomass burning. The study also evaluated the toxicological implications of PAHs, demonstrating that mutagenic activity exceeded toxicity levels, and finer particles posed a greater carcinogenic risk. While the exposure index suggested that short-term exposure remained within acceptable limits, long-term effects require further assessment. Given the complex interplay of emission sources and atmospheric processes, continuous monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies are essential for improving urban air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: GATA2 deficiency, a rare inborn error of immunity, presents with highly variable phenotypes. Bone marrow (BM) changes such as hypocellularity and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are common, with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation being the only curative option due to the risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Although traditional markers like cytogenetic abnormalities and somatic mutations (e.g., ASXL1) identify the risk of leukemic transformation, efforts to identify novel predictors of disease evolution are needed. CD8+ T cells are known to play a key role in MDS immune surveillance, but their specific involvement in GATA2 deficiency remains poorly defined. Methods: In this case report, we report on a young adult with GATA2 deficiency who underwent longitudinal monitoring of both peripheral and BM lymphocyte subsets, with a focus on CD8+ T-cell evolution in relation to MDS progression. Results: The patient exhibited typical GATA2-deficient immune-hematological findings, including monocytopenia, B- and NK-cell deficiency, but had no history of severe infections and remained transfusion-independent. While peripheral CD8+ T-cell levels remained stable over time, a notable reduction in BM CD8+ T cells was observed in association with MDS progression. Conclusion: Providing a long-term follow-up of one GATA2-deficient patient, we suggest that a decrease in BM CD8+ T cells may serve as an early marker of immune surveillance escape and disease progression. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the role of BM CD8+ T cells in GATA2 deficiency and MDS evolution, potentially offering new insights for follow-up and therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine and coastal tourism deliver economic benefits to coastal communities that far surpass those generated by fisheries, yet its potential contribution to global marine conservation remains underexamined. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) help restore biodiversity and enhance nearby fisheries, but their direct tourism benefits are not well understood. Here, we estimate the global demand for recreational scuba dive tourism, map the distribution and protection status of all marine dive sites globally, and develop a bioeconomic model to estimate the revenue gains from upgrading unprotected dive sites to fully protected MPAs. We estimate that 33.1 million scuba dives occur annually in marine environments worldwide, with 70% taking place within MPAs. However, only 15% of these MPA-affiliated dive sites are highly or fully protected. We show that designating all unprotected recreational dive sites, representing less than 1% of the global ocean, as highly or fully protected MPAs would improve fish biomass and biodiversity while generating an additional US$2 billion per year in direct tourism revenue (not including economic multipliers). Importantly, 62% of marine diving currently occurs in developing countries, underscoring the potential for dive tourism to support both marine conservation and local livelihoods in regions where such benefits are most needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Carrot callus grown on a medium with increased nitrogen have reduced carotenoid accumulation, changed gene expression, high amount of vesicular plastids and altered cell wall composition. Carotenoid biosynthesis is vital for plant development and quality, yet its regulation under varying nutrient conditions remains unclear. To explore the effects of nitrogen (N) availability, we used carrot (Daucus carota L.) model callus cultures in vitro as a controlled system for studying nutrient-regulated metabolic processes. Two mineral media differing in N content and NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ ratios were used. Comprehensive analyses, HPLC, transmission electron microscopy, immunochemistry, and RNA sequencing, revealed notable cellular and molecular responses to N treatments. The results demonstrated that N supplementation reduced carotenoid content by 50%, particularly β-carotene and α-carotene. The composition of chromoplast types shifted, with vesicular chromoplasts dominating (55%), followed by a globular type (23%), while in the control callus, globular and crystalline types predominated (57% and 33%, respectively). Immunohistochemistry showed increased presence of high-esterified pectins and arabinogalactan proteins in N-treated cells. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1704 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including only two in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway: phytoene synthase 2 (PSY2) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP). PSY2, which encodes the carotenoid rate-limiting enzyme, showed expression levels that corresponded with reduced carotene content. Other DEGs included 15 involved in nitrogen transport, 1 in nitrogen assimilation, 40 in cell wall biosynthesis and modification, and 9 in phenylpropanoid/flavonoid pathways. N-treated callus exhibited altered expression of MADS-box, NLP, bZIP, and ethylene-responsive transcription factors. These findings reveal how nitrogen availability disrupts carotenoid biosynthesis and triggers extensive chromoplast and cell wall remodeling, providing a cellular framework for understanding nutrient-regulated metabolic shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels-of-processing (LOP) framework, proposing that deep processing yields superior retention, has provided an important paradigm for memory research and a practical means of improving learning. However, the available levels-of-processing literature focuses on immediate memory performance. It is assumed within the LOP framework that deep processing will lead to slower forgetting than will shallow processing. However, it is unclear whether, or how, the initial level of processing affects the forgetting slopes over longer retention intervals. The present three experiments were designed to explore whether items encoded at qualitatively different LOP are forgotten at different rates. In the first two experiments, depth of processing was manipulated within-participants at encoding under deep and shallow conditions (semantic vs. rhyme judgement in Experiment 1; semantic vs. consonant-vowel pattern decision in Experiment 2). Recognition accuracy (d prime) was measured between-participants immediately after learning and at 30-min, 2-h, and 24-h delays. The third experiment employed a between-participants design, contrasting the rates of forgetting following semantic and phonological (rhyme) processing at immediate, 30-min, 2-h, and 6-h delays. Results from the three experiments consistently demonstrated a large effect size of levels of processing on immediate performance and a medium-to-large level effect size on delayed recognition, but crucially no LOP × delay group interaction. Analysis of the retention curves revealed no significant differences between the slopes of forgetting for deep and shallow processing. These results suggest that the rates of forgetting are independent of the qualitatively distinct encoding operations manipulated by levels of processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial performance is frequently equated in studies that compare forgetting rates across groups. However, since the encoding capacity of different groups can be different, some procedures to match initial degree of learning need to be implemented, adding confounding variables such as longer exposures to the material, which would create memories of a different age. Slamecka and McElree Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 9, 384–397, (1983) and our previous work found that the rate of forgetting was independent from initial degree of learning using verbal material. The present study seeks to determine whether this pattern holds true when undertaken with nonverbal material. In two experiments, we manipulate initial degree of learning by varying the number of presentations of the material and studying the effect on the forgetting rates. A set of 30 tonal sequences were presented to young, healthy participants either once or three times. Forgetting was evaluated in a yes/no recognition paradigm immediately and 1 hour or 24 hours after the study phase. A different subset of 10 sequences was tested along with 10 nontargets at each retention interval. The results of these experiments showed that initial acquisition was modulated by the number of repetitions. However, the forgetting rates were independent of initial degree of learning. These results are in keeping with the pattern found by Slamecka and McElree, and in our own previous studies. They suggest that the pattern of parallel forgetting after different levels of initial learning is not limited to verbal material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disease characterized by insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. In contrast to most hormone deficiencies for which hormone replacement is currently the mainstay of therapy, hypoparathyroidism has conventionally been treated with calcium supplements and active analogs of vitamin D. Although the advent of a replacement therapy with 1-34 and 1-84 PTH represented a major step in the therapeutic history of hypoparathyroidism, several new molecules and different management strategies have recently been developed. Purpose: This review investigates the therapeutic approaches currently under investigation for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Clinical trials results have been considered and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We define a quantum loop group U Q + associated to an arbitrary quiver Q = (I , E) and maximal set of deformation parameters, with generators indexed by I × Z and some explicit quadratic and cubic relations. We prove that U Q + is isomorphic to the (generic, small) shuffle algebra associated to the quiver Q and hence, by Neguț (Shuffle algebras for quivers and wheel conditions. arXiv:2102.11269), to the localized K-theoretic Hall algebra of Q. For the quiver with one vertex and g loops, this yields a presentation of the spherical Hall algebra of a (generic) smooth projective curve of genus g [invoking the results of Schiffmann and Vasserot (Math Ann 353(4):1399–1451, 2012)]. We extend the above results to the case of non-generic parameters satisfying a certain natural metric condition. As an application, we obtain a description by generators and relations of the subalgebra generated by absolutely cuspidal eigenforms of the Hall algebra of an arbitrary smooth projective curve [(invoking the results of Kapranov et al. (Sel Math (NS) 23(1):117–177, 2017)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a need for biomarkers in psychiatry to improve diagnosis, prognosis and management, and with confirmed value in follow-up care. Radionuclide imaging, given its molecular imaging characteristics, is well-positioned for translation to the clinic. This systematic review lays the groundwork for integrating PET and SPECT imaging in the clinical management of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Methods: Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases was conducted from the earliest date available until February 2024. The focus was on longitudinal studies evaluating PET or SPECT imaging in individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum or another psychotic disorders. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), NIH scale for before-after studies and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 (Cochrane RoB2). Studies were further categorised into three groups: preclinical and diagnosis, predicting disease course or personalising treatment. Results: Fifty-six studies were included in the systematic review investigating in total 1329 patients over a median of 3 months. Over two-thirds used PET tracers, whereas the remaining studies employed SPECT tracers. The most frequently investigated system was dopaminergic transmission, followed by cerebral metabolism and blood flow. [18F]FDOPA demonstrated large effect size in predicting conversion of subjects at risk and treatment response. Additionally, treatment dosage could be optimised to reduce side effects using [123I]IBZM or [11C]raclopride. Conclusion: Molecular imaging holds significant promise for real-life application in schizophrenia, with two particularly encouraging avenues being the prediction of conversion/response to antipsychotic medication and the improved management of antipsychotic dosage. Further longitudinal studies and clinical trials will be essential for validating both the clinical effectiveness and economic sustainability, as well as for exploring new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphone-based technology is increasingly used in veterinary medicine as a complementary tool for cardiac auscultation and ECG recording. This prospective observational study evaluates a digital stethoscope (DS) that consists of simultaneous phonocardiographic and one-lead ECG recording (dECG) in adult horses, comparing it with auscultation using a conventional stethoscope (CS) and reference base-apex ECG (rECG). A total of 104 horses underwent cardiac auscultation using CSs and DSs to detect arrhythmias and murmurs. Audio and dECG were acquired using the DS. The rECG tracings were also recorded. All ECG tracings were blindly evaluated for interpretability, measurements, and diagnosis. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the data distribution. Weighted Cohen’s κ and Bland Altman plot analysis were applied to verify the agreement between reference vs. smartphone-based methods. Almost perfect agreement was found in detecting murmurs and/or arrhythmias between auscultation with the CS and DS, and between CS auscultation and re-listening to DS audio. Perfect agreement was observed between re-listening to DS audio and DS auscultation and in detecting murmur timing between CS and DS auscultation. Almost perfect agreement was found between rECG and dECG in detecting bradycardia, tachycardia, or normal heart rate (HR) and for P-wave polarity. The lack of variability with both methods for QRS polarity prevented statistical analyses from being performed. Fair agreement was found in the assessment of the presence of artifact. In conclusion, the DS reliably detected heart murmurs and arrhythmias through direct auscultation and re-listening to recordings, and accurately evaluated HR, wave and interval measurements, P-wave and QRS-complex polarities in adult horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive technique. It allows for detailed examination, precise measurement, and effective monitoring of teats in dairy cows. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound measurements of teats in dairy cows, specifically focusing on intra- and inter-rater agreement between operators with different levels of experience. The study included 51 healthy Holstein cows, with two operators (experienced and inexperienced) performing measurements on ultrasound images obtained before and after milking. The parameters analyzed were teat-canal length (TCL), teat-end width (TEW), teat-wall thickness (TWT), and teat-cistern width (TCW). Differences in teat measurements before and after milking, as well as between operators, were assessed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 402 ultrasound images were analyzed. Significant differences were found in TCL, TWT, and TCW before and after milking, while TEW remained unaffected. Statistically significant differences in TWT and TCW were observed between the two operators, while TCL and TEW did not show significant differences. Intra-rater agreement for the experienced operator was excellent, and for the inexperienced operator, it was good. Inter-rater agreement ranged from good to excellent for most parameters, except for TWT, where it was poor. The study confirms that both milking and operator experience influence teat measurements. However, with proper training, ultrasonography can be a reliable tool for assessing udder health in dairy cows, supporting its use in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a dire disease being the first cause of cancer death among both genders. Early-stage NSCLC often has better treatment outcomes despite it being a highly heterogeneous disease. So far, the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy strategies have led to a small benefit with an improvement of 5% in overall survival as an absolute benefit. Recently, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy has shown robust efficacy in terms of event-free survival and overall survival. Thus, these combinations are today considered a new standard of care in early-stage NSCLC. The application of these strategies to all-comer population lead to confounding definitive results regarding the efficacy and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed balancing the promise of healing than toxicities. At present, the clinical staging TNM system guides the clinical choice, however it is not entirely sufficient. Circulant tumoral DNA (ctDNA) emerged as a promising prognostic and predictive biomarker that may guide the future perioperative strategy and pave the way to personalized medicine also in this exciting field. This narrative review aims to put in the context the employment of ctDNA, give some perspective and suggestions weighing the pros and cons of this technique for our tomorrow clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the methodological quality of radiomics-based models in endometrial cancer using the radiomics quality score (RQS) and METhodological radiomICs score (METRICS). Methods: We systematically reviewed studies published by October 30th, 2023. Inclusion criteria were original radiomics studies on endometrial cancer using CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound. Articles underwent a quality assessment by novice and expert radiologists using RQS and METRICS. The inter-rater reliability for RQS and METRICS among radiologists with varying expertise was determined. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess whether scores varied according to study topic, imaging technique, publication year, and journal quartile. Results: Sixty-eight studies were analysed, with a median RQS of 11 (IQR, 9–14) and METRICS score of 67.6% (IQR, 58.8–76.0); two different articles reached maximum RQS of 19 and METRICS of 90.7%, respectively. Most studies utilised MRI (82.3%) and machine learning methods (88.2%). Characterisation and recurrence risk stratification were the most explored outcomes, featured in 35.3% and 19.1% of articles, respectively. High inter-rater reliability was observed for both RQS (ICC: 0.897; 95% CI: 0.821, 0.946) and METRICS (ICC: 0.959; 95% CI: 0.928, 0.979). Methodological limitations such as lack of external validation suggest areas for improvement. At subgroup analyses, no statistically significant difference was noted. Conclusions: Whilst using RQS, the quality of endometrial cancer radiomics research was apparently unsatisfactory, METRICS depicts a good overall quality. Our study highlights the need for strict compliance with quality metrics. Adhering to these quality measures can increase the consistency of radiomics towards clinical application in the pre-operative management of endometrial cancer. Clinical relevance statement: Both the RQS and METRICS can function as instrumental tools for identifying different methodological deficiencies in endometrial cancer radiomics research. However, METRICS also reflected a focus on the practical applicability and clarity of documentation. Key Points: The topic of radiomics currently lacks standardisation, limiting clinical implementation. METRICS scores were generally higher than the RQS, reflecting differences in the development process and methodological content. A positive trend in METRICS score may suggest growing attention to methodological aspects in radiomics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moving toward a circular economy requires improvement of the economic and environmental performance of municipalities in their provision of municipal solid waste (MSW) services. Understanding performance changes over years is fundamental to support decision-making. This study employs the Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen productivity indicator to evaluate eco-productivity change and its drivers in the MSW sector in Chile over the years 2015–2019. The further use of decision tree and linear regression analysis allows exploration of the interaction between operating characteristics and eco-productivity estimations. The results of the eco-productivity assessment show that, although the Chilean MSW sector was still facing a transitional period, from 2015 to 2019, eco-productivity increased 1.28% per year. Gains in eco-productivity were due to technical progress and small gains in efficiency, whereas scale effect had an adverse impact. Other factors such as waste spending per inhabitant and the amount of waste collected and recycled per inhabitant had a significant impact on the eco-productivity of Chilean municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients receiving immunotherapy need to have a good understanding of how immunology works and which toxicities they can expect. This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge on their immunotherapies and their quality of life before and after receiving immunotherapy for the first time in a cancer centre. Methods: From July 2018 to September 2020, all patients treated at the cancer centre receiving first-time immunotherapy were invited to participate in a cross-sectional descriptive study. Non-probabilistic sampling was used to recruit 138 patients, who answered a basal ad hoc questionnaire with ten items assessing their previous knowledge on immunotherapy. Clinical variables were collected from records and by advanced clinical specialist nurses’ interviews, and quality of life was evaluated at 2 points (basal and 8 weeks of treatment), using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life C30 scale. Results: Our descriptive analysis of 138 participants with solid tumours showed that 98.5% knew they were receiving immunotherapy. Regarding complications, 89.8% reported that skin reactions were a major problem. The pre-post comparison of overall health status/health-related quality of life did not show significant changes with treatment. Conclusion: Our participants were comprised primarily of men with lung cancer, receiving care at a multidisciplinary outpatient unit where they got information from their oncologist and were later assessed by clinical nurse specialists. Almost all considered themselves to be well informed, despite receiving the immunotherapy for the first time. Specific expertise, skills and abilities of the health team, oncologist and nurses providing the care that patients receiving immunotherapy needs are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of indoor and ambient air pollution on human health is significant, with ambient air pollutants contributing to millions of deaths annually. Particulate matter (PM), a prevalent pollutant in ambient and indoor air, consists of solid and liquid particles suspended in a gaseous atmosphere. The formation of PM is primarily attributed to incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Air pollution carries health, environmental and economic effects. To address these challenges, nations worldwide are obligated to develop policies aimed at safeguarding air quality, protecting human health, biodiversity and ecosystems. Long-term environmental interventions have been mandated by international agreements to eliminate pollutant emissions, while short-term interventions are recommended for immediate outcomes. While numerous devices are available to mitigate indoor air pollutants, limited pre-commercial methods exist for improving ambient air quality. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to ambient air purification system that utilizes renewable energy sources and achieves energy self-sufficiency. The effectiveness of this newly developed air purifier in controlling outdoor particulate pollution was investigated, providing insights into its potential to mitigate the health and economic impacts associated with PM exposure. A comparative analysis of percentage and mass values for various parameters measured upstream and downstream of the air purifier enabled an initial assessment of the filter's effectiveness in removing impurities and was assesses at the level of 74%. A noticeable decrease in mass values was observed for all analysed components of PM, with the exception of nitric ions. Moreover, it was found out that the tested filter demonstrates greater efficacy in removing inorganic PM components compared to organic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise bending of sheet metal structures is crucial in various industrial and scientific applications, whether to modify deformation in an existing component or to achieve specific shapes. Laser peen forming (LPF) is proven as an innovative forming process for sheet metal applications. LPF involves inducing mechanical shock waves into a specimen that deforms the affected region to a certain desired curvature. The degree of deformation induced after LPF depends on numerous experimental factors such as laser energy, the number of peening sequences, and the thickness of the specimen. Consequently, comprehending the complex dependencies and selecting the appropriate set of LPF process parameters for application as a forming or correction process is crucial. The main objective of the present work is the development of a data-driven approach to predict the deformation obtained from LPF for various process parameters. Artificial neural network (ANN) was trained, validated, and tested based on experimental data. The deformation obtained from LPF is successfully predicted by the trained ANN. A novel process planning approach is developed to demonstrate the usability of ANN predictions to obtain the desired deformation in a treated region. The successful application of this approach is demonstrated on three benchmark cases for thin Ti-6Al-4V sheets, such as deformation in one direction, bi-directional deformation, and modification of an existing deformation in pre-bent specimens via LPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead is a ubiquitous and neurotoxic heavy metal particularly harmful to children, who are more susceptible than adults to its toxic effects. The prevalence of lead poisoning and iron deficiency (ID) is high in socioeconomically vulnerable child populations, negatively affecting neurocognitive development in children. Although numerous studies have shown the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and ID, the issue remains controversial. Here, we aimed to identify the association between BLL and iron nutritional status in children. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 1–6 y attending periodic health checks in primary healthcare units from La Plata and its surroundings, Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2012 and 2017. We performed anthropometric evaluations and determined BLL, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. Blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were defined as elevated BLL; ferritin levels < 12 ng/ml were considered ID; Hb levels < 11 g/dL (< 11.5 g/dL for children ≥ 5 y) were defined as anemia. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney test, Student´s t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression. The R package (v. 4.2.2.) was used for the statistical analysis of data. The sample included 392 children (mean age, 2.4 ± 1.4 y; 44.6% females). The prevalence of elevated BLL, ID and anemia was 8.7%, 26.3% and 31.8%, respectively. We found a significant association between elevated BLL and ID (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.16 (1.50, 6.63)). The prevalence of elevated BLL was 16.2% and 5.8% in children with and without ID, respectively (p = 0.003). We also found association between elevated BLL and anemia (OR 95% CI: 3.03 (1.49, 6.29)). In conclusion, blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were significantly associated with ID and anemia in children aged 1–6 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, effective public policy interventions have been crucial in combating virus transmission, sparking extensive debate on crisis management strategies and emphasizing the necessity for reliable models to inform governmental decisions, particularly at the local level. Leveraging disaggregated socio-demographic microdata, including social determinants, age-specific strata, and mobility patterns, we design a comprehensive network model of Catalonia's population and, through numerical simulation, assess its response to the outbreak of COVID-19 over the two-year period 2020–21. Our findings underscore the critical importance of timely implementation of broad non-pharmaceutical measures and effective vaccination campaigns in curbing virus spread; in addition, the identification of high-risk groups and their corresponding maps of connections within the network paves the way for tailored and more impactful interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Respiratory adverse events are common during the sedation of preterm babies, often needing active airway support. During magnetic resonance imaging, this occurrence could extend the acquisition time, with a negative impact on the thermic and metabolic homeostasis. The aim of the study is to verify if lying in a lateral position instead of supine could improve the safe quality of sedation, without worsening the quality of imaging. Methods: This study was performed as a single-center, prospective study at a university-affiliated tertiary care center. A consultant provided deep sedation with sevoflurane 3–4% delivered by an external mask, in the lateral decubitus position. All patients were evaluated for the incidence of apnea and desaturation, quality of imaging obtained, the timing of imaging acquisition, and thermic and metabolic homeostasis. Results: We enrolled 23 consecutive preterm babies born < 37 weeks gestational age, candidates for sedation for elective brain magnetic resonance imaging. All patients completed the radiological procedure in 30 min (SD ± 6.39 min) without complications requiring exam interruption. Only one patient (4%) experienced a transient desaturation, while 2 neonates (9%) showed apnea lasting > 20 s. On average, there was a 1 °C decrease in body temperature and full enteral feeding was resumed within 1.5 h. Neuroradiologists rated the quality of the images obtained as high. Conclusions: Lateral lying seems to be a viable option for sedated preterm babies during magnetic resonance imaging with a low risk of intervention for apnea and a reduced impact on thermic and metabolic homeostasis. Quality of imaging would be preserved maintaining correct scheduling of standard care. Trial registration: The study was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov before enrollment (NCT05776238 on December, 21th 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the intraspecific trait variation and ecological strategies of three macrophyte species in the Amazon region, focusing on leaf traits and CSR strategies (competitors, stress tolerators, and ruderals). Individuals of Eleocharis interstincta, Fuirena umbellata, and Nymphaea rudgeana were examined across 22 sampling sites. Traits including leaf area, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content were measured, along with environmental variables. Results demonstrated significant differences in leaf traits among the species, highlighting their distinct strategies. Individuals of F. umbellata exhibited the lowest leaf dry matter content values, indicating a conservative and stress-tolerator strategy. N. rudgeana had the highest leaf area values, reflecting an acquisitive strategy and varied from a S to S/CS strategy, while E. interstincta showed intermediate trait values and a stress-tolerator strategy. Furthermore, intraspecific variation was observed within each species, influenced by environmental factors (nutrient availability, water conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and sediment composition). Our findings contribute to understanding the intraspecific trait variations and ecological strategies of macrophytes in the Amazon region, providing insights into plant adaptation and response to environmental changes. Future research should incorporate additional traits and encompass different macrophyte life forms, further enhancing our understanding of their strategies and responses to ongoing environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relation between eating disorder (ED) psychopathology and insomnia symptoms in Iran. Using network analysis with Iranian participants (N = 1956) who completed the Farsi versions of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (F-EDE-Q) and the Insomnia Severity Index (F-ISI), we identified central and bridge symptoms within the ED and insomnia network. Central symptoms included a strong desire to lose weight, discomfort in seeing one's body, and fear of weight gain. Symptoms that served as bridges between ED and insomnia included difficulties in staying asleep, the impact of sleep problems on quality of life, and the influence of body shape on self-judgment. Targeting these bridge symptoms might enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at disrupting the linkage between ED psychopathology and insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) extension is one of the greatest challenges in urology. The gold standard treatment includes extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). However, this surgical treatment has an impact on survival and prognosis. We aim to present a less invasive surgical approach for the treatment of level III and IV IVC thrombi in RCC. Methods: We identified all patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy at our Institution between 2016 and 2020. Patients with level IV thrombi were treated with a combined thoracic and abdominal procedure: beating heart surgery with normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used for thrombus retrieval. Level III thrombi were approached exclusively through an abdominal access. Results: We identified 12 patients treated with radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy among 243 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for RCC. Mean age was 69.3 years, most patients were in T3c clinical stage, without lymph-node involvement (75%) and no metastases (66.7%); 58.3% of patients had Mayo III thrombus classification. Median intensive care unit stay was 2 days and total in-hospital stay 10.5 days. In-hospital mortality was 0%, with a 66.6% survival rate at 2 years. Conclusions: Beating heart surgery with normothermic CPB can be considered a less invasive method for radical resection of Mayo level IV IVC thrombi. This surgical approach is safe and feasible, with good in-hospital and short-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In male cats, as in men, mammary carcinomas are rarely reported. However, like in females, hormonal therapy is a significant risk factor. This study reports the case of an 11-year-old male cat with multiple mammary tumours and a history of long-term medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy for the suppression of sexual behaviour, along with a brief review of the literature. Complete surgical removal of the right mammary chain and the ipsilateral inguinal lymph nodes was performed, and all tissues were submitted for histology. Histological examination revealed the presence of a tumour in the third and fourth mammary glands, consisting of neoplastic cells arranged in various structures, including tubulopapillary and tubular structures, sometimes cystically dilated, and solid areas. The inguinal lymph nodes were also involved. The morphology was consistent with a diagnosis of mammary carcinoma, tubulopapillary type, with nodal metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tumour cells were positive for cytokeratin (clones AE1/AE3), while stromal cells were positive for vimentin (clone V9). The proliferation marker Ki-67, evaluated on both the primary tumour and the nodal metastases, was strongly expressed in the nuclei of neoplastic cells, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of 8.9% and 20% for the primary tumour and the metastases, respectively. This case highlights the importance of considering the possibility of malignant mammary tumours not only in female but also in male cats with a history of long-term hormonal treatment for suppression of sexual behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel realisation of leptogenesis that relies on the out-of-equilibrium decay of an axion-like particle (ALP) into right-handed Majorana neutrinos (RHNs) in the early Universe. With respect to standard thermal leptogenesis, our mechanism lowers by two orders of magnitude the RHN mass, or the tuning in the RHN mass splittings, needed to reproduce the baryon asymmetry of the Universe and neutrino masses. We find that ALP leptogenesis requires ma > 104 GeV and fa > 1011 GeV for the ALP mass and decay constant, and predicts an early period of matter domination induced by the ALP in parts of its parameter space. We finally provide a viable supersymmetric realisation of ALP leptogenesis where the ALP is the R-axion, which accommodates GeV gravitino dark matter and predicts RHN below 10 TeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the vast majority of all diagnosed lung cancers. According to their histology, most NSCLCs are considered non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC), and up to 85% of the latter may lack either one of the two main actionable oncogenic drivers (i.e., EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements). Objective: Our analysis aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Spanish patients suffering from NSCC with no actionable oncogenic driver in daily clinical practice. Design: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive analysis. Methods: We analyzed the records of all Spanish patients with advanced NSCC diagnosed between January 2011 and January 2020 and included in the Spanish Thoracic Tumor Registry database. We evaluated the presence of metastasis and molecular profiling at the time of diagnosis and treatments received. We also assessed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) according to first-line treatment. Results: One thousand seven hundred ninety-seven Spanish patients with NSCC were included. They were mainly men (73.2%), smokers (current [44.4%] and former [44.4%]) and presented adenocarcinoma histology (97.6%). Most patients had at least one comorbidity (80.4%) and one metastatic site (96.8%), and a non-negligible number of those tested were PD-L1 positive (35.2%). Notably, the presence of liver metastasis indicated a shorter median OS and PFS than metastasis in other locations (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was more often prescribed than immunotherapy as first-, second-, and third-line treatment in that period. In first-line, the OS rates were similar in patients receiving either regimen, but PFS rates significantly better in patients treated with immunotherapy (p = 0.026). Also, a high number of patients did not reach second- and third-line treatment, suggesting the failure of current early diagnostic measures and therapies. Conclusions: This analysis of the most lethal tumor in Spain could highlight the strengths and the weaknesses of its clinical management and set the ground for further advances and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the water-energy-carbon nexus in water supply is essential for water regulators and utilities. This study employs a non-radial Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess eco-productivity (ecoP) change, a synthetic indicator that integrates carbon emissions, energy costs, and water delivered. It also evaluates its components—eco-efficiency change and eco-technological change—across water companies in England and Wales from 2011 to 2018. The analysis reveals an annual improvement in ecoP of 1.1%, driven by a 2.1% gain in eco-efficiency but offset by a 1.0% decline in technological advancement. The reduction in GHG emissions emerged as the most significant positive contributor, enhancing ecoP by 3.22% annually, while energy costs detracted ecoP by –0.09%. The results underscore the negative impacts of increased water delivery (–1.74%) and the number of connected properties (–1.27%) on ecoP, highlighting the need for demand management policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centriole integrity, vital for cilia formation and chromosome segregation, is crucial for human health. The inner scaffold within the centriole lumen composed of the proteins POC1B, POC5 and FAM161A is key to this integrity. Here, we provide an understanding of the function of inner scaffold proteins. We demonstrate the importance of an interaction network organised by POC1A-POC1B heterodimers within the centriole lumen, where the WD40 domain of POC1B localises close to the centriole wall, while the POC5-interacting WD40 of POC1A resides in the centriole lumen. The POC1A-POC5 interaction and POC5 tetramerization are essential for inner scaffold formation and centriole stability. The microtubule binding proteins FAM161A and MDM1 by binding to POC1A-POC1B, likely positioning the POC5 tetramer near the centriole wall. Disruption of POC1A or POC1B leads to centriole microtubule defects and deletion of both genes causes centriole disintegration. These findings provide insights into organisation and function of the inner scaffold.The inner scaffold is key for centriole stability but its organization is unclear. Here, the authors show the formation of POC1A-POC1B heterodimers, where POC1B resides near the centriole wall and POC1A associates with a POC5 tetramer/Centrin complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Data on the prognostic impact of the micropapillary component in breast cancer are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of pure and mixed invasive micropapillary breast cancer (IMPC) patients compared to invasive ductal cancer (IDC) patients. Methods: This retrospective study analysed all IMPC and IDC patients treated at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) between 1997 and 2019. The overall cohort of IMPC patients was divided in two groups, pure and mixed IMPC. Each patient with mixed or pure IMPC was matched with one patient with IDC, based on year of surgery, age, pT, pN, and molecular subtype. Results: A total of 30,115 IDC, 120 pure IMPC and 150 mixed IMPC patients were considered eligible. Compared to IDC, pure and mixed IMPC patients presented a higher rate of locally advanced disease (pT2-T3, pN2-N3), vascular invasion, and Luminal B subtype. After matching, pure and mixed IMPC showed a significant higher rate of vascular invasion compared to IDC patients (p < 0.001). Invasive disease-free survival was better in IDC compared to pure IMPC patients (p = 0.11). Long-term overall survival was significantly worse in pure IMPC group compared to IDC group (p = 0.004), being instead similar between mixed IMPC vs matched IDC (p = 0.07). Conclusion: These real-world data reported the worse prognosis of pure IMPC compared to IDC, highlighting the peculiar prognostic value of the micropapillary subtype itself in the decision-making process of IMPC management. An accurate pre-surgical diagnostic evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are pivotal to best personalize its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous image-guided ablation techniques are a consolidated therapeutic alternative for patients with high preoperative surgical risk for the management of oncological diseases in multiple body districts. Each technique has both pros and cons according to the type of energy delivered, mechanism of action, and site of application. The present article reviews the most recent literature results on ablation techniques applied in the field of genitourinary diseases (kidney, adrenal glands, prostate, and uterus), describing the advantages of the use of each technique and their technical limitations and summarizing the major recommendations from an international consensus meeting. Critical relevant statement: The article critically evaluates the efficacy and safety of ablation therapies for various genitourinary tract diseases, demonstrating their potential to improve patient outcomes and advance clinical radiology by offering minimally invasive, effective alternatives to traditional surgical treatments. Key Points: Ablation therapies are effective alternatives to surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Ablation techniques offer effective treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Ablation is a promising tool for adrenal tumor management. Ablation reduces fibroid symptoms and volume, offering an alternative to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study answers the following research questions: 1) What types of mathematical errors do future teachers identify when they reflect on their practice? and 2) Which levels of development of the didactic suitability assessment competence for the "errors" component can be inferred when they reflect on their practice? To answer these questions, we explain the Didactic Suitability Criteria construct and describe the associated training cycle structure in the theoretical and methodological framework sections. We followed a qualitative research methodology that mainly consists of thematic analysis. The study conducted allows finding inductive categories of types of mathematical errors, such as error in the task instructions, error of proposition, procedural error, error in the representation, error in the definition and error in the argument. It also enables establishing levels of development of the didactic suitability assessment competence of future teachers for the "errors" component. The main conclusion of this research is the importance of the context to decide what a mathematical error is. The need to further examine the notion of mathematical error in the training of future mathematics teachers is also stressed. Another conclusion is the development of a rubric that allows for more accurate and deeper reflections of future teachers on the errors made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This analysis is a systematic literature review assessing efficacy and adverse effects of three alpha-2 agonists for the symptomatic management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: The present investigation involved an extensive systematic search for eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Nine studies, collectively incorporating 226 patients, were assessed. Results: The results demonstrated promising indications for use of alpha-2 agonists in the symptomatic management of autism spectrum disorders, including improvement of hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit symptoms, irritability, and stereotypies in many of the participants studied. Conclusion: The present investigation encourages physicians to consider treatment outcomes of clonidine, guanfacine, and lofexidine to determine the most effective management of ASD-related symptoms and to minimize adverse effects. However, our review cannot provide definitive treatment protocols related to various study limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, with a multifactorial etiology encompassing genetic, environmental, and life-style factors, as well as the intestinal microbiota and its metabolome. These risk factors often work together in specific groups of patients, influencing how CRC develops and progresses. Importantly, alterations in the gut microbiota act as a critical nexus in this interplay, significantly affecting susceptibility to CRC. This review highlights recent insights into unmodifiable and modifiable risk factors for CRC and how they might interact with the gut microbiota and its metabolome. Understanding the mechanisms of these interactions will help us develop targeted, precision-medicine strategies that can adjust the composition of the gut microbiota to meet individual health needs, preventing or treating CRC more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the context of the water-energy nexus in drinking water provision, it is crucial to evaluate temporal shifts in energy efficiency. Utilizing the Stochastic Nonparametric Envelopment of Data (StoNED) approach, this research estimates longitudinal variations in the energy efficiency of drinking water services integrating multiple environmental variables. The analysis, conducted in England and Wales from 2008 to 2020, indicates that the source and quality of raw water, as well as population density, influenced the energy performance of water utilities. Quantitative findings evidenced marked disparity in energy efficiency among different companies, with an average efficiency of 0.617 and a range from 0.437 to 0.944. The dynamic assessment indicates an average annual enhancement of 1.1% in the sector, predominantly propelled by technical advancements (0.9%) rather than by improvements in efficiency (0.2%). This study emphasizes the critical need for bespoke policies and incentives to boost energy efficiency and support sustainable urban water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the relationship dynamics and sexual identities of autistic individuals, emphasizing their subjective experiences and the need for tailored support. Topics discussed include barriers to emotional intimacy in romantic relationships, the impact of sensory processing differences on physical intimacy, and the inadequacies of current sexuality education for autistic individuals.

Most models of language comprehension assume that the linguistic system is able to pre-activate phonological information. However, the evidence for phonological prediction is mixed and controversial. In this study, we implement a paradigm that capitalizes on the fact that foreign speakers usually make phonological errors. We investigate whether speaker identity (native vs. foreign) is used to make specific phonological predictions. Fifty-two participants were recruited to read sentence frames followed by a last spoken word which was uttered by either a native or a foreign speaker. They were required to perform a lexical decision on the last spoken word, which could be either semantically predictable or not. Speaker identity (native vs. foreign) may or may not be cued by the face of the speaker. We observed that the face cue is effective in speeding up the lexical decision when the word is predictable, but it is not effective when the word is not predictable. This result shows that speech prediction takes into account the phonological variability between speakers, suggesting that it is possible to pre-activate in a detailed and specific way the phonological representation of a predictable word. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute phase protein produced in various tissues in response to microbial and sterile stimuli, which regulates the inflammation outcomes. PTX3 has not been investigated in myocarditis. Our aim was to assess circulating and cardiac tissue expression of PTX3 in 55 patients with myocarditis proven by magnetic resonance and/or endomyocardial biopsy. A major proportion of patients with myocarditis displayed significantly increased plasma PTX3 levels as compared with controls (26/30 vs. 0/10), with higher diagnostic yield than conventional biomarkers in the study group. Cardiac tissue analysis revealed PTX3 expression in all patients (40/40), with viral myocarditis exhibiting higher signal intensity than autoimmune myocarditis, and with a predominant localization in cardiomyocytes. Abnormal plasma PTX3 was associated with systolic dysfunction and heart failure at presentation. Interestingly, patients who recovered by 12 months had higher baseline PTX3 levels. Our preliminary data support the potential use of PTX3 as a biomarker in myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The literature on concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) and traumatic spinal injury is sparse and a few, if any, studies focus on concomitant TBI and associated upper cervical injury. The objective of this study was to fill this gap and to define demographics, patterns of injury, and clinical data of this specific population. Methods: Records of patients admitted at a single trauma centre with the main diagnosis of TBI and concomitant C0–C1–C2 injury (upper cervical spine) were identified and reviewed. Demographics, clinical, and radiological variables were analyzed and compared to those of patients with TBI and: (i) C3–C7 injury (lower cervical spine); (ii) any other part of the spine other than C1–C2 injury (non-upper cervical); (iii) T1–L5 injury (thoracolumbar). Results: 1545 patients were admitted with TBI and an associated C1–C2 injury was found in 22 (1.4%). The mean age was 64 years, and 54.5% were females. Females had a higher rate of concomitant upper cervical injury (p = 0.046 vs non-upper cervical; p = 0.050 vs thoracolumbar). Patients with an upper cervical injury were significantly older (p = 0.034 vs lower cervical; p = 0.030 vs non-upper cervical). Patients older than 55 years old had higher odds of an upper cervical injury when compared to the other groups (OR = 2.75). The main mechanism of trauma was road accidents (RAs) (10/22; 45.5%) All pedestrian injuries occurred in the upper cervical injured group (p = 0.015). ICU length of stay was longer for patients with an upper cervical injury (p = 0.018). Four patients died in the upper cervical injury group (18.2%), and no death occurred in other comparator groups (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The rate of concomitant cranial and upper cervical spine injury was 1.4%. Risk factors were female gender, age ≥ 55, and pedestrians. RAs were the most common mechanism of injury. There was an association between the upper cervical injury group and longer ICU stay as well as higher mortality rates. Increased understanding of the pattern of concomitant craniospinal injury can help guide comprehensive diagnosis, avoid missed injuries, and appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streams and ponds provide several ecosystem services but are threatened by anthropic activities. Studies on species contribution and local uniqueness are ways of analyzing sites that need conservation or restoration due to anthropic activities. These metrics are especially important when evaluating Amazonian environments, which are complex and understudied. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the local contribution (LCBD) and the species contribution (SCBD) to beta diversity and community attributes for zooplankton in Amazonian streams and ponds, and those between the land use change and local environmental factors on the LCBD (total, replacement, and richness difference). Additionally, we investigated whether sites with ecological uniqueness should be considered for conservation or restoration. We sampled zooplankton, macrophytes, and physical–chemical variables in 42 streams and 26 ponds in 2022. We also determined land use and land cover through digital image processing and calculated the Catchment Disturbance Index (CDI). A total of 130 taxa, comprising 76 rotifers, 41 cladocerans, and 13 copepods, were recorded. The zooplankton SCBD was positively correlated with species occurrence and abundance of individuals, while the LCBD was negatively related to abundance and species richness. In streams, total-LCBD was positively related to CDI and negatively related to macrophyte cover; in ponds, no significant relationship was observed. Our results improve current understanding of the effects of land use changes on zooplankton beta diversity, showing that more altered sites have unique and poor species composition and need restoration. Our data also increase knowledge on zooplankton in Amazonian environments, especially in streams that are understudied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), tau phosphorylation in the brain and its subsequent release into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood is a dynamic process that changes during disease evolution. The main aim of our study was to characterize the pattern of changes in phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) in the preclinical stage of the Alzheimer’s continuum. We measured three novel CSF p‐tau biomarkers, phosphorylated at threonine‐181 and threonine‐217 with an N‐terminal partner antibody and at threonine‐231 with a mid‐region partner antibody. These were compared with an automated mid‐region p‐tau181 assay (Elecsys) as the gold standard p‐tau measure. We demonstrate that these novel p‐tau biomarkers increase more prominently in preclinical Alzheimer, when only subtle changes of amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology are detected, and can accurately differentiate Aβ‐positive from Aβ‐negative cognitively unimpaired individuals. Moreover, we show that the novel plasma N‐terminal p‐tau181 biomarker is mildly but significantly increased in the preclinical stage. Our results support the idea that early changes in neuronal tau metabolism in preclinical Alzheimer, likely in response to Aβ exposure, can be detected with these novel p‐tau assays.

Abstract Despite impressive clinical benefit obtained with anti‐HER2‐targeted therapies, in advances stages, especially in the metastatic setting, HER2‐positive tumors remain incurable. Therefore, it is important to develop novel strategies to fight these tumors, especially when they become resistant to available therapies. We show here that the anti‐HER3 antibody–drug conjugate EV20/MMAF exerted potent anti‐tumoral properties against several models of primary resistance and secondary resistance to common anti‐HER2 available therapies, including trastuzumab, lapatinib, neratinib, and trastuzumab‐emtansine. HER3 was expressed in these HER2+ breast cancer cells and knockdown experiments demonstrated that HER3 expression was required for the action of EV20/MMAF. In mice injected with trastuzumab‐resistant HER2+ cells, a single dose of EV20/MMAF caused complete and long‐lasting tumor regression. Mechanistically, EV20/MMAF bound to cell surface HER3 and became internalized to the lysosomes. Treatment with EV20/MMAF caused cell cycle arrest in mitosis and promoted cell death through mitotic catastrophe. These findings encourage the clinical testing of EV20/MMAF for several indications in the HER2+ cancer clinic, including situations in which HER2+ tumors become refractory to approved anti‐HER2 therapies.