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Abstract Introduction Intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) involves placing intracranial electrodes to localise seizures in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables visualisation of electrodes within patient‐specific anatomy, the safety of these electrodes must be confirmed prior to routine clinical utilisation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of iEEG electrodes from a particular manufacturer in a 3.0‐Tesla (3.0T) MRI environment. Methods Measurements of magnetically induced displacement force and torque were determined for each of the 10 test articles using standardised techniques. Test articles were subsequently evaluated for radiofrequency‐induced heating using a Perspex phantom in both open and ‘fault’ conditions. Additionally, we assessed radiofrequency (RF)‐induced heating with all test articles placed into the phantom simultaneously to simulate an implantation, again in both open and ‘fault’ conditions. Finally, each test article was evaluated for MRI artefacts. Results The magnetically induced displacement force was found to be less than the force on the article due to gravity for all test articles. Similarly, the maximum magnetically induced torque was less than the worst‐case torque due to gravity for all test articles apart from the 8‐contact strip – for which it was 11% greater – and the depthalon cap. The maximum temperature change for any portion of any test article assessed individually was 1.7°C, or 1.2°C for any device component meant to be implanted intracranially. In the implantation configuration, the maximum recorded temperature change was 0.7°C. Conclusions MRI may be safely performed for localising iEEG electrodes at 3.0T under certain conditions.

Abstract Global average upper atmosphere temperature changes linked with the Hunga volcanic eruption (January 2022) are analyzed based on satellite measurements and compared with chemistry‐climate model simulations. Results show stratospheric cooling of −0.5 to −1.0 K in the middle and upper stratosphere during 2022 through middle 2023, followed by stronger cooling (−1.0 to −2.0 K) in the mesosphere after middle 2023. The cooling patterns follow the upward propagating water vapor (H2O) anomalies from Hunga, and similar behavior is found between observations and model simulations. While the stratospheric cooling is mainly due to radiative cooling from enhanced H2O, the mesospheric temperature changes result from ozone losses in the mesosphere, which are in‐turn driven by HOx radicals from Hunga H2O. Comparisons with the multi‐decade climate record show that Hunga impacts on stratospheric temperatures have similar magnitude, but opposite sign, to temperature effects from the large El Chichón (1982) and Pinatubo (1991) volcanic eruptions.

Abstract High spatio‐temporal variability is a characteristic of extreme rainfall. In mountainous regions like the Tropical Andes, where intricate orography and mesoscale atmospheric dynamics greatly impact rainfall systems, this particularly holds for mountain areas like the Tropical Andes. Thus, the absence of operational rainfall monitoring networks with high spatio‐temporal resolution has imposed difficulties for a proper analysis of extreme rainfall events in the Ecuadorian Andes. Nowhere, we present our improved knowledge on rainfall extremes based on newly available rainfall radar data of this region. In our study we employ a clustering approach to identify types of extreme rainfall events and analyze their spatio‐temporal characteristics. Based on 3 years of data obtained from an X‐band scanning weather radar data, the study was conducted in the southern Ecuadorian Tropical Andes at 4450 m a.s.l. By applying a rainfall threshold, 67 extreme rainfall events were selected. The rainfall characteristics of each extreme rainfall event, such as the amount of rain, its duration, its hour, and month of occurrence were determined and used as input variables of a k‐means clustering analysis to group the events into different classes. The result revealed three main classes of extreme rainfall events. The first class is characterized by highest rain intensity and lowest duration. The second class is characterized by its month of occurrence, during the first 5 months of the year. The third class showed lowest rain intensity and highest duration mainly occurred at higher elevations. The typology of events advances our understanding of the spatio‐temporal characteristics of extreme rainfall in the Tropical Andes.

Abstract Efficient and site‐specific delivery of therapeutics drugs remains a critical challenge in cancer treatment. Traditional drug nanocarriers such as antibody‐drug conjugates are not generally accessible due to their high cost and can lead to serious side effects including life‐threatening allergic reactions. Here, these problems are overcome via the engineering of supramolecular agents that are manufactured with an innovative double imprinting approach. The developed molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) are targeted toward a linear epitope of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. These nanoMIPs are cost‐effective and rival the affinity of commercial antibodies for ERα. Upon specific binding of the materials to ERα, which is overexpressed in most breast cancers (BCs), nuclear drug delivery is achieved via receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Consequentially, significantly enhanced cytotoxicity is elicited in BC cell lines overexpressing ERα, paving the way for precision treatment of BC. Proof‐of‐concept for the clinical use of the nanoMIPs is provided by evaluating their drug efficacy in sophisticated three‐dimensional (3D) cancer models, which capture the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in vivo without requiring animal models. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of nanoMIPs as a promising class of novel drug compounds for use in cancer treatment.

Abstract Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is projected to be the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently, no pharmacological treatments are available to treat NAFLD, and lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions, is the only remedy. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine whether supplementation with medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs), containing a mixture of C8 and C10 (60/40), attenuates NAFLD in obese and insulin‐resistant mice. To achieve that, we fed C57BL/6 male mice a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity and hepatic steatosis, after which obese mice were assigned randomly either to remain on the HFD or to transition to an HFD supplemented with MCTs (HFD + MCTs) or a low‐fat diet (LFD) for 6 weeks as another dietary intervention model. Another group of mice was kept on an LFD throughout the study and used as a lean control group. Obese mice that transitioned to HFD + MCTs exhibited improvement in glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and the latter improvement was independent of changes in adiposity when compared with HFD‐fed mice. Additionally, supplementation with MCTs significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, improved liver enzymes and decreased hepatic expression of inflammation‐related genes to levels similar to those observed in obese mice transitioned to an LFD. Importantly, HFD + MCTs markedly lowered hepatic ceramide and diacylglycerol content and prevented protein kinase C‐ε translocation to the plasma membrane. Our study demonstrated that supplementation with MCTs formulated mainly from C8 and C10 effectively ameliorated NAFLD in obese mice.

Abstract Different meteor radars at low latitudes observed abnormally strong westward mesospheric winds around the March Equinox of 2023, that is, during the first phase of the Mesospheric Semiannual Oscillation. This event was the strongest of at least the last decade (2014–2023). The westward winds reached −80 m/s at 82 km of altitude in late March, and decreased with increasing altitude and latitude. A considerable increase in the diurnal tide amplitude was also observed. The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere‐ionosphere eXtension constrained to meteorological reanalysis up to ∼50 km does not capture the observed low‐latitude behavior. Additionally, these strong mesospheric winds developed during the westerly phase of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation, in accordance with the filtering mechanism of gravity waves in the stratosphere proposed in previous works. Finally, analysis of SABER temperatures strongly suggests that the breaking of the migrating diurnal tide may be the main driver of these strong winds.

Abstract Time series of radiative cooling of the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (UMLT) by carbon dioxide (CO2) are examined for evidence of trends over 20 years. Radiative cooling rates in K day−1 provided by the SABER instrument are converted to time series of infrared power radiated from three distinct layers between 0.1 hPa and 0.0001 hPa (65–105 km). Linear regression against time and a predictor for solar variability provides estimates of the trend in exiting longwave radiation (ELR) from these layers. Trends in ELR are not significantly different from zero at 95% or 99% confidence in each layer. These results demonstrate energy conservation in the UMLT on decadal time scales and show that the UMLT continues to radiate the same amount of energy it receives despite cooling and contracting over two decades. These results are enabled by the long‐term stability of the SABER instrument calibration.

Abstract Open science skills are increasingly important for a career in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) as efforts to make data and analyses publicly available continue to become more commonplace. While learning core concepts in EEB, students are also expected to gain skills in conducting open science to prepare for future careers. Core open science skills like programming, data sharing, and practices that promote reproducibility can be taught to undergraduate students alongside core concepts in EEB. Yet, these skills are not always taught in biology undergraduate programs, and a major challenge in developing open science skills and learning EEB concepts simultaneously is the high cognitive load associated with learning multiple disparate concepts at the same time. One solution is to provide students with easily digestible, scaffolded, pre‐formatted code in the form of vignettes and interactive tutorials. Here, we present six open source teaching tutorials for undergraduate students in EEB. These tutorials teach fundamental ecological concepts, data literacy, programming (using R software), and analysis skills using publicly available datasets while introducing students to open science concepts and tools. Spanning a variety of EEB topics and skill levels, these tutorials serve as examples and resources for educators to integrate open science tools, programming, and data literacy into teaching EEB at the undergraduate level.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to describe characteristics and outcomes associated with difficult airway response team (DART) encounters in the emergency department (ED). Methods We performed a descriptive analysis of a prospective, single‐center database of DART encounters in the ED from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2021 cross‐referenced with retrospective chart review. Adult ED patients ≥18 years old for whom a DART was activated were eligible. We prospectively collected activation characteristics, intubation indications, operator characteristics, and intubation methods used for DART encounters. Retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain patient demographics and outcome variables. Descriptive analyses were computed for all outcomes. Results We analyzed 89 DART encounters. No intubation attempts were made prior to DART activation in 52 cases (58.4%). The most common indications for intubation were angioedema (n = 17, 19.1%) or other airway obstruction (n = 15, 16.9%). A definitive airway was established by anesthesiology (n = 46, 51.7%), emergency medicine (n = 25, 28.1%), trauma surgery (n = 9, 10.1%), and ENT (n = 5, 5.6%). The most common method of intubation used to establish a definitive airway was video laryngoscopy with a bougie or D‐blade (n = 29, 32.6%) followed by flexible fiberoptic intubation (n = 19, 21.3%). A surgical airway was required in eight encounters (cricothyrotomy [n = 4, 4.5%]; tracheostomy [n = 4, 4.5%]). Cases were managed in the ED (n = 73, 82%), operating room (OR) (n = 10, 11.2%), and intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1, 1.1%). All patients requiring intubation had an endotracheal or surgical airway established. Conclusion Our findings provide important insights regarding ED DART utilization and have implications when considering institution of a DART in the ED.

Abstract Microbes from oil reservoirs shape petroleum composition through processes such as biodegradation or souring. Such processes are considered economically detrimental and might pose health and safety hazards. It is therefore crucial to understand the composition of a reservoir's microbial community and its metabolic capabilities. However, such analyses are hindered by difficulties in extracting DNA from such complex fluids as crude oil. Here, we present a novel DNA extraction method from oils with a wide American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity (density) range. We investigated the ability to extract cells from oils with different solvents and surfactants, the latter both nonionic and ionic. Furthermore, we evaluated three DNA extraction methods. Overall, the best DNA yields and the highest number of 16S rRNA reads were achieved with isooctane as a solvent, followed by an ionic surfactant treatment using sodium dodecyl sulfate and DNA extraction using the PowerSoil Pro Kit (Qiagen). The final method was then applied to various oils from oil reservoirs collected in aseptic conditions. Despite the expected low cell density of 101–103 cells/ml, the new method yielded reliable results, with average 16S rRNA sequencing reads in the order of 41431 (±8860) per sample. Thermophilic, halophilic, and anaerobic taxa, which are most likely to be indigenous to the oil reservoir, were found in all samples. API gravity and DNA yield, despite the sufficient DNA obtained, did not show a correlation.

Abstract Ectotherms make up the majority of terrestrial biodiversity, so it is important to understand their potential responses to climate change. Often, models aiming to achieve this understanding correlate species distributions with ambient air temperature. However, this assumes a constant relationship between the air temperature and body temperature, which determines an ectotherm's thermal performance. To test this assumption, we develop and validate a method for retrospective estimation of ectotherm body temperature using heat exchange equations. We apply the model to predict the body temperature of wild field crickets (Gryllus campestris) in Northern Spain for 1985–2019 and compare these values to air temperature. We show that while air temperature impacts ectotherm body temperature, it captures only a fraction of its thermal experience. Solar radiation can increase the body temperature by more than 20°C above air temperature with implications for physiology and behaviour. The effect of solar radiation on body temperature is particularly important given that climate change will alter cloud cover. Our study shows that the impacts of climate change on species cannot be assumed to be proportional only to changing air temperature. More reliable models of future species distributions require mechanistic links between environmental conditions and thermal ecophysiologies of species.

Abstract It is well established that the shallow branch of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation accelerates in a warming climate due to enhanced wave drag in the subtropical lower stratosphere. This has been linked to the strengthening of the upper flanks of the subtropical jets. However, the seasonality of the zonal wind trends, peaking in the winter hemisphere, is opposite to that of the Eliassen‐Palm flux convergence trends, peaking in summer. We investigate the seasonality in the wave drag trends and find a different behavior for each hemisphere. The Shepherd and McLandress (2011, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010jas3608.1) mechanism, involving transient wave dissipation at higher levels following the rise of the critical lines, is found to maximize in austral summer. On the other hand, in the Northern Hemisphere the wave drag increase peaks in summer primarily due to the changes in the stationary planetary waves (monsoonal circulations) associated with enhanced deep convection.

Abstract Equine coital rash (ECE) is a highly contagious benign infection that induces lesions on external genitals, and it is caused by the equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV‐3). Although the disease is globally distributed, its presence in Chile has not been documented from a genetic point of view. Here, we performed polymerase chain reaction screenings for EHV‐3 in lesions of external genitals in four horses belonging to a riding station at Bulnes, Ñuble Region, Chile. We sequenced a fragment of the glycoprotein G (gG) gene from three horses with clinical signs of ECE. The sequences were identical between them and 99.7% similar to a haplotype of EHV‐3 detected in Brazil, and phylogenetically related with homologue from Japan, Russia and Brazil. Our results show the presence of EHV‐3 for the first time in horses with ECE in Chile.

Abstract Landscape connectivity is a major factor shaping the spread of pathogens in wildlife populations. By managing connectivity, transmission pathways can be broken and disease spread be contained, particularly in the early phases of an outbreak. Having witnessed recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever in free‐ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Belgium, Germany and Italy, offices for disease control are on the alert also in other western European countries. This study investigates the potential effect of managing landscape connectivity to contain disease spread among free‐ranging wild boar in disparate landscapes. It involves research into (1) the ease with which wildlife corridors can be blocked for wild boar, (2) the connectivity of wild boar habitat and (3) the impact of landscape fragmentation on connectivity management. This is addressed by carrying out GIS analyses and performing graph operations on the wild boar networks in different biogeographical regions of Switzerland. The results of doing research into the three above‐mentioned objects show that, regarding the first, most wildlife corridors are hard to block for wild boar, because their features or location make fencing difficult. Regarding the second, the wild boar habitat is connected. Opening wildlife passages that are currently under construction may allow wild boar to disperse to hitherto uncolonized areas. Regarding the third, all wild boar networks could be partially decomposed by blocking the easy to block corridors and closing the passages. Network decomposition would be easiest to achieve in the region where the built infrastructure is most abundant. All over Switzerland, the potential epidemic size could be reduced by 25% when blocking the minimal set of corridors and passages that cut the networks to non‐decomposable components. This study suggests that (a) combining connectivity analysis with fragmentation analysis is key to explaining why a specific measure of disease containment is more effective in one landscape than in the other, (b) complementing the permeability model with a species distribution model is essential to identify connected habitat patches for the species of concern and (c) connectivity metrics should consider also the surface area of occupied habitat patches and relative abundance of the species of concern.

Abstract The demand for energy is a relevant topic in the field of science and engineering, which has been discussed throughout the last years due to the challenges of climate change and environmental concerns around the world. Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) offer a source of mobility that emphasises the use of energy storage devices to reduce CO2 emissions. The growing development of advanced data analytics and the Internet of Things has driven the implementation of the Digital Twin (DT), all to improve efficiency in the build, design and operation of the system. Regarding the components of EVs, the batteries are considered as the most expensive elements to analyse according to the State of Health and the State of Charge, which lead to implement the most optimal models, along with a DT for battery systems. The present article provides a literature review about the current development trends of EVs' energy storage technologies, with their corresponding battery systems, which gives an overview to understand different type of models and to identify future challenges in the industrial sector. Additionally, a solid explanation of the DT focussed on battery systems for EVs is discussed, highlighting some study cases, characteristics, and technological opportunities.

Abstract Accurately predicting responses to selection is a major goal in biology and important for successful crop breeding in changing environments. However, evolutionary responses to selection can be constrained by such factors as genetic and cross‐environment correlations, linkage, and pleiotropy, and our understanding of the extent and impact of such constraints is still developing. Here, we conducted a field experiment to investigate potential constraints to selection for drought resistance in rice (Oryza sativa) using phenotypic selection analysis and quantitative genetics. We found that traits related to drought response were heritable, and some were under selection, including selection for earlier flowering, which could allow drought escape. However, patterns of selection generally were not opposite under wet and dry conditions, and we did not find individual or closely linked genes that influenced multiple traits, indicating a lack of evidence that antagonistic pleiotropy, linkage, or cross‐environment correlations would constrain selection for drought resistance. In most cases, genetic correlations had little influence on responses to selection, with direct and indirect selection largely congruent. The exception to this was seed mass under drought, which was predicted to evolve in the opposite direction of direct selection due to correlations. Because of this indirect effect on selection on seed mass, selection for drought resistance was not accompanied by a decrease in seed mass, and yield increased with fecundity. Furthermore, breeding lines with high fitness and yield under drought also had high fitness and yield under wet conditions, indicating that there was no evidence for a yield penalty on drought resistance. We found multiple genes in which expression influenced both water use efficiency (WUE) and days to first flowering, supporting a genetic basis for the trade‐off between drought escape and avoidance strategies. Together, these results can provide helpful guidance for understanding and managing evolutionary constraints and breeding stress‐resistant crops.

Key Clinical Message We report a case of fatal disseminated aspergillosis in the setting of administration of zanubrutinib, a second‐generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor thought to have a lower rate of immunosuppression‐related side effects.

Abstract Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, is characterized by MYC rearrangements (MYC R) in up to 15% of cases, and these have unfavorable prognosis. Due to cryptic rearrangements and variations in MYC breakpoints, MYC R may be undetectable by conventional methods in up to 10%–15% of cases. In this study, a retrospective proof of concept study, we sought to identify recurrent cytogenetic aberrations (RCAs), generate genetic progression scores (GP) from RCAs and apply these to an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to predict MYC status in the karyotypes of published cases. The developed AI algorithm is validated for its performance on our institutional cases. In addition, cytogenetic evolution pattern and clinical impact of RCAs was performed. Chromosome losses were associated with MYC‐, while partial gain of chromosome 1 was significant in MYC R tumors. MYC R was the sole driver alteration in MYC‐rearranged tumors, and evolution patterns revealed RCAs associated with gene expression signatures. A higher GPS value was associated with MYC R tumors. A subsequent AI algorithm (composed of RCAs + GPS) obtained a sensitivity of 91.4 and specificity of 93.8 at predicting MYC R. Analysis of an additional 59 institutional cases with the AI algorithm showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 87% each with positive predictive value of 92%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Cases with a MYC R showed a shorter survival.

Abstract The frequency of salt marsh dieback events has increased over the last 25 years with unknown consequences to the resilience of the ecosystem to accelerated sea level rise (SLR). Salt marsh ecosystems impacted by sudden vegetation dieback events were previously thought to recover naturally within a few months to years. In this study, we used a 13‐year collection of remotely sensed imagery to provide evidence that approximately 14% of total marsh area has not revegetated 10 years after a dieback event in Charleston, SC. Dieback onset coincided with a severe drought in 2012, as indicated by the Palmer drought stress index. A second dieback event occurred in 2016 after a historic flood influenced by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Unvegetated zones reached nearly 30% of the total marsh area in 2017. We used a light detection and ranging‐derived digital elevation model to determine that most affected areas were associated with lower elevation zones in the interior of the marsh. Further, restoration by grass planting was effective, with pilot‐scale restored plots having greater aboveground biomass than reference sites after two years of transplanting. A positive outcome indicated that the stressors that caused the dieback are no longer present. Despite that, many affected areas have not recovered naturally, even though they are located within the typical elevation range of healthy marshes. A mechanistic modeling approach was used to assess the effects of vegetation dieback on salt marsh resilience to SLR. Predictions indicate that a highly productive restored marsh (2000 g m−2 year−1) would persist at a moderate SLR rate of 60 cm in 100 years, whereas a nonrestored mudflat would lose all its elevation capital after 100 years. Thus, rapid restoration of marsh dieback is critical to avoid further degradation. Also, failure to incorporate the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events that trigger irreversible marsh diebacks underestimates salt marsh vulnerability to climate change. Finally, at an elevated SLR rate of 122 cm in 100 years, which is most likely an extreme climate change scenario, even highly productive ecosystems augmented by sediment placement would not keep pace with SLR. Thus, climate change mitigation actions are also urgently needed to preserve present‐day marsh ecosystems.

Abstract The ability of satellite instruments to accurately observe long‐term changes in atmospheric temperature depends on many factors including the absolute accuracy of the measurement, the stability of the calibration of the instrument, the stability of the satellite orbit, and the stability of the numerical algorithm that produces the temperature data. We present an example of algorithm instability recently discovered in the temperature data set from the SABER instrument on the NASA TIMED satellite. The instability resulted in derived temperatures that were substantially colder than anticipated from mid‐December 2019 to mid‐2022. This algorithm‐induced change in temperature over 1 to 2 years corresponded to the expected temperature change over several decades from increasing anthropogenic CO2. This paper highlights the importance of algorithm stability in developing Geospace Data Records (GDRs) for Earth’s mesosphere and lower thermosphere. A corrected version (Version 2.08) of the temperatures from SABER is described.

Abstract Objective The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19 outbreak) demands an increased need for hospitalizations in emergency departments (EDs) and critical care units. Owing to refractory hypoxemia, prone position ventilation has been used more frequently and patients will need repeated hemodynamic assessments. Our main objective was to show the feasibility of obtaining images to measure multiple parameters with transthoracic echocardiography during the prone position ventilation. Methods We enrolled 15 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection that required prone position ventilation as a rescue maneuver for refractory hypoxemia. The studies were performed by 2 operators with training in critical care echocardiography. Measurements were done outside the patient's room and the analysis of the images was performed by 3 cardiologists with training in echocardiography. Results Adequate image acquisition of the left ventricle was possible in all cases; we were not able to visualize the right ventricular free wall only in 1 patient. The mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 17.8 mm, tricuspid peak systolic S wave tissue Doppler velocity 11.5 cm/s, and the right ventricular basal diameter 36.6 mm; left ventricle qualitative function was reduced in 6 patients; pericardial effusion or valvular abnormalities were not observed. Conclusion We showed that echocardiographic images can be obtained to measure multiple parameters during the prone position ventilation. This technique has special value in situations where there is sudden hemodynamic deterioration and it is not possible to return the patient in the supine position.

Abstract In the early 1800s, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was probably extirpated from Switzerland, due to overhunting and deforestation. After a federal law was enacted in 1875 to protect lactating females and young, and limiting the hunting season, the roe deer successfully recovered and recolonized Switzerland. In this study, we use mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers to investigate the recolonization and assess contemporary genetic structure in relation to broad topographic features, in order to understand underlying ecological processes, inform future roe deer management strategies, and explore the opportunity for development of forensic traceability tools. The results concerning the recolonization origin support natural, multidirectional immigration from neighboring countries. We further demonstrate that there is evidence of weak genetic differentiation within Switzerland among topographic regions. Finally, we conclude that the genetic data support the recognition of a single roe deer management unit within Switzerland, within which there is a potential for broad‐scale geographic origin assignment using nuclear markers to support law enforcement.

Abstract Habitat fragmentation of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) transforms the spatial pattern of seascapes by changing both the total area and spatial configuration of the habitat patches. The ecological effects of SAV seascapes are most often assessed using metrics of biological community composition (e.g., species and assemblage changes). We know considerably less about the effects of seascape structure on ecological processes such as food web function and energy flow. Here, we assess the difference in the trophic niche of Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides, a generalist omnivore) across a spatial gradient of SAV from continuous to highly fragmented seascapes in Biscayne Bay (Miami, Florida, USA). The Bay seascapes are influenced by freshwater management practices that alter the distribution of SAV habitat and fish species abundance, diversity, and community assemblage. We combined SAV seascape maps with stable isotope and hypervolume analyses to determine how trophic niche size and overlap varied with changes in the seascape. We observed similar resource use across the seascape, but trophic niche size increased in more fragmented SAV seascapes, suggesting diversification of trophic roles and energy flow pathways. Pinfish collected from more continuous SAV habitats had smaller trophic niche size and higher trophic levels. Both trophic response metrics manifested a threshold response that depended on distinct SAV spatial characteristics (amount vs. spatial configuration) and environmental conditions. Our results suggest that habitat fragmentation of SAV seascape structure has ecological implications that could affect energy flow with cascading consequences for food web stability and ecosystem functioning.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have dramatically changed the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and nowadays, one of the main treatment goals is the achievement of deep molecular responses (DMRs), which can eventually lead to therapy discontinuation approaches. Few biological factors at diagnosis have been associated with this level of response. Telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood cells of patients with CML has been related to disease stage, response to therapy and disease progression, but little is known about its role on DMR. In this study, we analyzed if age-adjusted TL (referred as “delta-TL”) at diagnosis of chronic phase (CP)-CML might correlate with the achievement of DMR under first-line imatinib treatment. TL from 96 CP-CML patients had been retrospectively analyzed at diagnosis by monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR. We observed that patients with longer age-adjusted telomeres at diagnosis had higher probabilities to achieve DMR with imatinib than those with shortened telomeres (P = 0.035 when delta-TL was studied as a continuous variable and P = 0.047 when categorized by the median). Moreover, patients carrying long telomeres also achieved major molecular response significantly earlier (P = 0.012). This study provides proof of concept that TL has a role in CML biology and when measured at diagnosis of CP-CML could help to identify patients likely to achieve DMR to first-line imatinib treatment.