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Rationale: Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid have persistent environmental and physiological effects. This study investigates the degradation of CnF2n+1CO2− (n = 1–7) with neutral radical fragmentation under oxygen attachment dissociation (OAD). Unique fragments absent from collision‐induced dissociation (CID) are observed. Further, potential mechanisms are uncovered by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Methods: From a standard mixture of PFAS, straight‐chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids with carbon chain lengths of one to eight were separated via liquid chromatography and transferred to the gas phase via negative‐mode electrospray ionisation. Each CnF2n+1CO2− of interest was mass selected and fragmented via both CID and OAD in a quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. DFT optimisations of structures were performed at M06/6‐31+g(d), and single point energy calculations were performed at M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ for C3F7CO2−. Results: Decarboxylation was observed from both CID and OAD, but fluorine abstraction and hydroxyl addition only occurred with OAD. The DFT calculations suggest that C3F6–• (m/z 150) is most likely formed from by H• attack onto a β‐ C‐F bond, then loss of HF, finally decarboxylation. Further, C3F5O− (m/z 147) likely arises from C3F6–• recombining with OH• to produce energised C3F6OH− ions, followed by α‐ or β‐ elimination of HF to give enolate and/or epoxide‐type products. Conclusions: OAD of C3F7CO2− yields unique product ions C3F6–• (m/z 150) and C3F5O− (m/z 147) absent from collision‐induced dissociation. DFT calculations suggest an intricate pathway of H• attack onto a β C‐F bond, then loss of HF, decarboxylation, recombination with OH•, and finally α‐ or β‐ elimination of HF to give the products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess weight loss and cardiorenal outcomes by baseline body mass index (BMI) in VERTIS CV. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease were randomized to ertugliflozin or placebo. These post hoc analyses evaluated cardiometabolic and cardiorenal outcomes (a composite of death from CV causes or hospitalization for heart failure [HHF], CV death, HHF and an exploratory composite kidney outcome including ≥40% estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decrease) by baseline BMI, using conventional clinical categories and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: In total, 8246 adults were randomized (mean age 64.4 years, diabetes duration 13.0 years, BMI 32.0 kg/m2, 61% with BMI >30 kg/m2). Absolute body weight reduction was greater with ertugliflozin versus placebo at 3 and 5 years in the overall population (p < 0.001) and across BMI subgroups. Ertugliflozin increased the proportion of participants achieving ≥5% and ≥10% body weight reduction (ertugliflozin 34.9% and 13.6%, placebo 19.4% and 4.1%; odds ratio [95% confident interval, CI], 2.21 [1.76–2.77] and 3.65 [2.39–5.57], respectively) at 5 years. No significant difference was observed in the effect of ertugliflozin on HHF across BMI subgroups (Pinteraction = 0.61). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the effect of ertugliflozin on the kidney composite outcome across BMI subgroups (Pinteraction = 0.39). Results were similar for other CV outcomes, and safety was consistent with the known ertugliflozin profile. Conclusion: Weight loss was observed across baseline BMI and was sustained over 5 years of follow‐up. The effects of ertugliflozin on HHF and kidney composite were consistent across baseline BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the frequency, type, clinical, and sociodemographic associations of unmet social needs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: We conducted a cross‐sectional study of parents and carers of children with CP attending a specialist hospital clinic between July and September 2022. Unmet social needs were self‐identified using a survey, guided by the WE CARE survey instrument and adapted to the local context. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. We performed descriptive analysis of participants' unmet social needs, sociodemographic factors, and clinical factors, and examined for associations using a χ2 test and logistic regression. Results: A total of 105 parents and carers completed the survey. Of these, 68 (64.8%) reported one or more unmet social need, with 24 (22.9%) reporting three or more unmet needs. A higher number (three or more) of unmet needs was associated with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V (odds ratio [OR] = 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44–9.86) and intellectual disability (OR = 4.63, 95% CI = 1.61–13.31), but were not significant when corrected for neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage. The greatest socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with housing concerns (p = 0.002), food (p = 0.026), and financial insecurity (p = 0.02). Interpretation: Unmet social needs are experienced by most families of children with CP. This study highlights the importance of systematic pathways to identify and address unmet social needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To co‐design a social prescribing intervention (the EPIC‐CP programme: Equitable Pathways and Integrated Care in Cerebral Palsy) with children with cerebral palsy (CP), their families, and clinicians to address unmet social needs. Method: The study was conducted (August 2021 to March 2023) at the paediatric rehabilitation departments of the three tertiary paediatric hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible participants attended or worked at one of the departments, including children with CP, parents/caregivers, and clinicians. Mixed‐methods co‐design was used in intervention co‐production and prototyping. The project was overseen by research advisors with lived experience of CP. Results: More than 200 participants contributed to the co‐design research. Families experienced a substantial burden of unmet social needs. Co‐designed interventions involved systematic identification of unmet social needs with (1) targeted community resources and (2) engagement with a 'community linker' who supported children/young people and their families to access health, education, and social services that matched their identified needs and preferences. Research participants co‐developed the programme logic model and prototype. This was piloted in research action cycles and iteratively refined until consensus was achieved. Interpretation: We co‐designed a social prescribing programme responsive to the needs of its end‐users and purposefully developed to be embedded in the Australian health setting. A pilot randomized controlled trial will further evaluate this intervention. This original article is commented by Husk and Berry on pages 145–146 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF, 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). This study evaluates the potential association between occupational RF‐EMF exposure and brain tumor risk, utilizing for the first time, a RF‐EMF job‐exposure matrix (RF‐JEM) developed in the multi‐country INTEROCC case–control study. Cumulative and time‐weighted average (TWA) occupational RF‐EMF exposures were estimated for study participants based on lifetime job histories linked to the RF‐JEM using three different methods: (1) by considering RF‐EMF intensity among all exposed jobs, (2) by considering RF‐EMF intensity among jobs with an exposure prevalence ≥ the median exposure prevalence of all exposed jobs, and (3) by considering RF‐EMF intensity of jobs of participants who reported RF‐EMF source use. Stratified conditional logistic regression models were used, considering various lag periods and exposure time windows defined a priori. Generally, no clear associations were found for glioma or meningioma risk. However, some statistically significant positive associations were observed including in the highest exposure categories for glioma for cumulative and TWA exposure in the 1‐ to 4‐year time window for electric fields (E) in the first JEM application method (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08, 1.72 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.01, 1.59, respectively), as well as for meningioma for cumulative exposure in the 5‐ to 9‐year time window for electric fields (E) in the third JEM application method (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.11, 4.78). We did not identify convincing associations between occupational RF‐EMF exposure and risk of glioma or meningioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid habitats, recent increases in summer temperatures associated with global warming are adversely affecting many animal populations. However, annual rainfall also varies widely in many of these areas, and we do not yet fully understand the relative impact of variation in temperature and rainfall on the demography of arid‐zone species. Here, we examine the effects of temperature and rainfall variation on the demography of meerkats Suricata suricatta in the southern Kalahari over the last 25 years. During this period, average maximum monthly air temperatures at our study site increased by around 1.5°C to 3.2°C, while annual rainfall fluctuated without a consistent trend. We show that annual changes in female fecundity and recruitment were more closely correlated with variation in rainfall. Increasing air temperatures were associated with reductions in the recruitment of pups and the survival of some age classes but, in most cases, the demographic consequences of high temperatures were modest compared to the effects of low rainfall, which in some years led to the near cessation of successful reproduction and the extinction of many smaller groups. For instance, exceptionally low rainfall in 2012–2013 was associated with low recruitment and with declines in group size and population density, which fell by over 50%. Unusually hot years did not have similar consequences. Following the 2012–2013 drought, intermittent years of low rainfall and frequent droughts continued to suppress recruitment and slowed the population's recovery. Future changes in temperature may affect the dynamics and size of the meerkat population, but our work suggests that over the last 25 years, annual changes in rainfall have exerted a stronger influence on meerkat demography. Our study demonstrates the importance of long‐term, individual‐based data for determining how changes in climate affect the dynamics of animal populations, especially in arid environments where bottom–up processes often dominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overall symptom severity (OSS) and patient‐reported chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) control are global measures of CRS identified as consensus, essential criteria for CRS disease control assessment. We sought to determine the functional relationship between these two metrics. Methods: Using an international multicenter mixed‐methods design, 260 CRS patients were recruited. OSS score was measured using a visual analog scale. Patient‐reported CRS control was measured as "controlled," "partly controlled," and "uncontrolled." Twelve participants underwent semi‐structured interviews to discuss OSS and patient‐reported CRS control. Results: The majority of interviewed participants felt OSS and patient‐reported CRS control measured different constructs—while OSS only measured symptoms, patient‐reported CRS control was more global, including not only symptom severity but also concepts such as medication usage, activity impairment, and exacerbations. Nevertheless, OSS score was strongly correlated with (ρ = 0.67, p < 0.001) and highly predictive of patient‐reported CRS control. OSS score of >4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–4.2) had 74.7% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity in identifying patients reporting their CRS as not controlled. OSS score of >6.6 (95% CI: 4.1–7.1) had 77.0% sensitivity and 75.9% specificity in identifying patients reporting their CRS as uncontrolled. The 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test score was also predictive of patient‐reported CRS disease control but OSS was significantly more predictive. Conclusions: Patients conceptually view patient‐reported CRS control as a more global measure that subsumes OSS. Quantitatively, however, OSS is highly correlated with patient‐reported CRS control, possibly reflecting their redundancy. For ease of use, we recommend patient‐reported CRS control be reflected by OSS <4 for controlled, 4 ≤ OSS < 7 for partly controlled, and OSS ≥7 for uncontrolled CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The diabetes annual review is an important part of clinical care. Non‐attendance is increasingly common and associated with poor health outcomes. At‐home self‐collection of blood tests, urine samples and anthropometric data through a postal box may facilitate engagement. We aimed to explore the views of people living with diabetes on the use of a postal box as an alternative to usual care for self‐collecting blood samples, urine samples and anthropometric data and to understand whether the availability of a postal box would facilitate the uptake of the diabetes annual review. Methods: We conducted semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a high representation of infrequent attendees of annual review appointments within the study population. Transcripts were collated and analysed thematically. Results: Twenty participants took part including eight infrequent attendees. All infrequent attendees and most regular attendees responded positively to a postal box, with convenience being the most prominent value described. Concerns raised related to capability of self‐collection and the accuracy of results. Participants were asked for suggestions to improve the postal box. The most common themes related to communication; needing clearer information about each test in the postal box; feedback of results; and utilising the box to communicate priorities for discussion at future consultations. Conclusion: Postal boxes for annual reviews were well‐received by those living with diabetes. Designed well, they have the potential to overcome more than just the physical barriers to annual review attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacovigilance is defined by the World Health Organization as "the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine related problem". Pharmacovigilance studies are critical for detecting and assessing adverse events of medicines that may not have been observed in clinical trials. This activity is especially important in older people who are often excluded from clinical trials as they have multiple chronic conditions and use multiple medicines for longer durations than the clinical trials. In this narrative review we describe innovative methods in pharmacovigilance studies of medicines in older people that leverage the increasing availability of digital health technologies, electronic health records and real‐world health data to identify and quantify medication related harms in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminist scholars have long recognized the gender‐based challenges that women in academia face relative to men. Although numerous strategies have been designed and implemented to tackle this problem, the attainment of gender equality in academia has proved futile globally. Integrating Acker's notion of the ideal worker with Bourdieu's concepts of symbolic violence and capital, we undertake a qualitative study of how women in African universities navigate the masculinized ideal academic norm, and how their efforts to break free from this symbolic image reproduces and legitimizes gender inequality. Drawing on the narratives of 36 women researchers in Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya, Botswana, and Zambia, our analysis reveals how the perpetual struggle for power, positions, and resources in academia influences women researchers within these contexts to enact three strategies for legitimacy―(1) 'Engage the patriarchal order,' (2) 'Contest normative femininity,' and (3) 'Appropriate normative femininity.' In contributing to the ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable development goals 5 and 8, we develop a theoretical framework that illuminates the subtle and sophisticated mechanisms that (re)produce, sustain, and legitimize the gendered structures and cultures in academia that serve to disadvantage women. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ototoxicity is an important side effect of cisplatin. Recent animal and in vitro studies suggest metformin may protect hearing, though human studies are lacking. We report the first retrospective clinical study exploring the effects of metformin on cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity. Study Design: Retrospective case‐control. Setting: Tertiary‐care center. Methods: We reviewed all diabetic patients treated with cisplatin who were enrolled in an auditory monitoring program between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2018. Patients were grouped according to their use of metformin at the time of chemotherapy. Demographics, oncologic diagnosis and treatment, and prior noise exposure were recorded. Audiometric thresholds were compared before and after chemotherapy. The primary outcome measure was a change in hearing as defined by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Secondary measures of ototoxicity included changes in hearing using the American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association (ASHA) and TUNE criteria. Results: Seventy‐two diabetic patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty‐six patients had taken metformin while on chemotherapy and 26 had not. The proportion of hearing loss as defined by both, CTCAE and ASHA criteria, was more than double in the metformin group relative to the nonmetformin group (CTCAE: 54.4% vs 19.2%, P =.004; ASHA: 62.2% vs 28.0%, P =.003). None of the potential covariates believed to be confounders were significantly associated with the outcome of multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Contrary to expectations from preclinical data, metformin did not reduce the incidence of hearing loss in patients receiving cisplatin and may, in fact, be associated with an increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ex vivo machine perfusion (EVMP) has been established to extend viability of donor organs. However, EVMP protocols are inconsistent. We hypothesize that there is a significant relationship between specific parameters during EVMP and perfusion outcomes. Methods: A meta‐analysis of literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) Statement. The search encompassed articles published before July 25, 2023. PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were screened using search terms "ex‐vivo," "ex‐situ," "machine," and "perfusion." Weight gain, an indicator of organ viability, was chosen to compare outcomes. Extracted variables included perfused organ, warm and cold ischemia time before perfusion, perfusion duration, perfusate flow, pressure, temperature, perfusate composition (presence of cellular or acellular oxygen carrier, colloids, and other supplements) and percent weight change. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: Overall, 44 articles were included. Red blood cell‐based perfusates resulted in significantly lower weight gain compared to acellular perfusates without oxygen carriers (11.3% vs. 27.0%, p < 0.001). Hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers resulted in significantly lower weight gain compared to acellular perfusates (16.5% vs. 27%, p = 0.006). Normothermic perfusion led to the least weight gain (14.6%), significantly different from hypothermic (24.3%) and subnormothermic (25.0%) conditions (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between hypothermic and subnormothermic groups (24.3% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.952). There was a positive correlation between flow rate and weight gain (ß = 13.1, R = 0.390, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Oxygen carriers, low flow rates, and normothermic perfusate temperature appear to improve outcomes in EVMP. These findings offer opportunities for improving organ transplantation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Signficant inequalities in tobacco smoking exist, with higher smoking rates among people from low‐socio‐economic status (low‐SES) populations. Tailored technology‐based programs for low‐SES smoking populations have the potential for high reach, but require effectiveness data from large‐scale trials. This trial among Australians who smoke from a low‐SES background will determine the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of tailored text‐message (TTM) support compared with standard Quitline (SQL) telephone support service. Design, setting and participants: This is a two‐arm, parallel group, randomized, non‐inferiority trial with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment in an Australian population within the greater Sydney region in New South Wales. Participants are adults who smoke daily (n = 1246), are interested in quitting and currently receiving a government pension or allowance, and will be recruited via advertisements. Intervention and comparator: Participants will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive either 12 months of TTM quit support or enrolment in SQL telephone support. Measurements: Assessments will be completed at baseline (telephone interview), within 1 month (check‐in call), at 3 months (on‐line questionnaire) and 12 months (telephone interview) post‐randomization. The primary outcome will be 6‐month continuous abstinence verified by carbon monoxide breath test at 12‐month follow‐up. The study will test whether TTM is non‐inferior to SQL by a non‐inferiority margin of 2%, i.e. the quit rate in the TTM group will be no worse than 2% less than the quit rate in the SQL group. Secondary outcomes will include self‐reported continuous and point prevalence abstinence and acceptability and cost‐effectiveness of TTM versus SQL. Conclusion: Should the tailored text‐message support prove non‐inferior and more cost‐effective than Quitline for this population, this will provide an opportunity for the upscaling of an effective, inexpensive and tailored quit support service. The trial findings will inform cessation treatment policy for priority populations in Australia and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment for dural recurrence of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is not standardized. We assess the outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in this population. Methods: ONB patients with dural recurrences treated between 2013 and 2022 on a prospective registry were included. Tumor control, survival, and patient‐reported quality of life were analyzed. Results: Fourteen patients with 32 dural lesions were evaluated. Time to dural recurrence was 58.3 months. Thirty lesions (94%) were treated with SBRT to a median dose of 27 Gy in three fractions. Two patients (3 of 32 lesions; 9%) developed in‐field radiographic progression, five patients (38%) experienced progression in non‐contiguous dura. Two‐year local control was 85% (95% CI: 51–96%). There were no >grade 3 acute toxicities and 1 case of late grade 3 brain radionecrosis. Conclusion: In this largest study of SBRT reirradiation for ONB dural recurrence to date, high local control rates with minimal toxicity were attainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a frequent additional finding on lung cancer screening (LCS) low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in LCS participants. We aimed to describe prevalence of incidental CAC detected on LDCT in LCS participants without prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD), evaluate their CVD risk and describe subsequent investigation and management. Methods: Prospective observational nested cohort study including all participants enrolled at a single Australian site of the International Lung Screen Trial. Baseline LDCTs were reviewed for CAC, and subsequent information collected regarding cardiovascular health. 5‐year CVD risk was calculated using the AusCVD risk calculator. Results: 55% (226/408) of participants had CAC on LDCT and no prior history of CAD, including 23% with moderate–severe CAC. Mean age of participants with CAC was 65 years, 68% were male. 53% were currently smoking. Majority were high risk (51%) or intermediate risk (32%) of a cardiovascular event in 5 years. 21% of participants were re‐stratified to a higher CVD risk group when CAC detected on LCS was incorporated. Only 10% of participants with CAC received lifestyle advice (only 3% currently smoking received smoking cessation advice). 80% of participants at high‐risk did not meet guideline recommendations, with 47% of this group remaining without cholesterol lowering therapy. Conclusion: LCS with LDCT offers the potential to identify and communicate CVD risk in this population. This may improve health outcomes for high‐risk LCS participants and further personalize management once screening results are known. Almost 25% of screening participants had moderate–severe CAC detected on LDCT and no known history of coronary artery disease. Most of these participants were at high risk of CVD and were not meeting guideline recommendations for CVD care. LDCT detected CAC may be a useful tool to optimize CVD health. See relatededitorial [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yao syndrome (YAOS) is a novel systemic autoinflammatory disease linked to the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD2) gene. It is characterized by periodic fevers, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, arthritis, and dermatitis, among other symptoms. A sparse literature exists on this disease, and little is known about its dermatological manifestations. A review of available literature was performed to characterize the cutaneous manifestations of Yao syndrome. Cutaneous manifestations were documented in 85.7% of patients, with common characteristic descriptions of erythematous patches and plaques involving the face, trunk, abdomen, and extremities. Based on our review of treatment modalities employed for Yao syndrome, prednisone is an appropriate initial approach, with oral sulfasalazine and other disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs serving as appropriate secondary options. YAOS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a dermatitic rash, especially in the context of concurrent articular symptoms, periodic fever, and GI symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations are increasingly augmenting employee jobs with intelligent machines. Although this augmentation has a bright side, in terms of its ability to enhance employee performance, we think there is likely a dark side as well. Draw from self‐regulation theory, we theorize that dependence on intelligent machines is discrepancy‐reducing—enhancing work goal progress, which in turn boosts employees' task performance. On the other hand, such dependence may be discrepancy‐enlarging—threatening employee self‐esteem, which in turn detracts from employees' task performance. Drawing further from self‐regulation theory, we submit that employees' core self‐evaluation (CSE) may influence these effects of dependence on intelligent machines. Across an experience‐sampling field study conducted in India (Study 1) and a simulation‐based experiment conducted in the United States (Study 2), our results generally support a "mixed blessing" perspective of intelligent machines at work. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of our work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusion CT‐guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy is the primary method for diagnosing lung lesions. Widely accepted validated risk prediction models are yet to be developed. A recently published study conducted at Grampians Health Services (GHS) developed two risk prediction models for predicting pneumothorax and intercostal catheter (ICC) insertion. This study aims to validate these models.This is a single‐centre, retrospective cohort study performed at GHS. Patients with a CT‐guided lung biopsy between January 2020 and July 2023 were included, alongside target‐lesion characteristics, procedural‐related factors and complications. Predicted probabilities for pneumothorax and ICC insertion were generated for each patient, and the diagnostic accuracy of the previous risk prediction models was evaluated the area under the receiver operating characteristic. A Youden Index was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity at the optimal probability thresholds.The validation found the model published by GHS demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 0.695 (95% CI: 0.601–0.695) for predicting pneumothorax following CT‐guided percutaneous biopsy. The model for predicting intercostal catheter insertion had a diagnostic accuracy of 0.762 (95% CI: 0.642–0.762). The sensitivity for predicting pneumothorax and ICC insertion was 81.97% and 92.86%, respectively, for their optimum probability thresholds.The findings suggest that the previously published models may be useful in predicting pneumothoraces and ICC insertion following CT‐guided percutaneous biopsy. We recommend these models as an adjunctive tool to aid in clinical decision‐making during the peri‐procedural management of these patients pending further validation with an external cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native seed mixes are widely available to create pollinator habitat. One approach to understand the efficacy of pollinator seed mixes is to compare them to species found in high‐quality natural areas. Using plant species presence data from published lists, we compared weekly blooming richness between 196 seed mixes explicitly designed to support pollinators and 102 prairie remnants from eight states across the Midwest. Remnants had greater forb richness compared to mixes and had at least twice the blooming richness per week. Seed mixes included low proportions of species that bloomed in the spring (0–13% of species), whereas about 28% of remnant forbs bloomed before June. There was a sharp phenological blooming peak for mixes due to the vast majority of species blooming in late July through August, whereas remnants had greater phenological evenness across the growing season. We then investigated all observed early blooming plant species to identify the species best suited to alleviate the dissimilar spring blooming characteristics. We compiled 10 species characteristics that reflected species' feasibility for cultivation and restoration and blooming attributes, identifying a group of underutilized and commercially unavailable species. Pollinator seed mixes should facilitate blooming availability for the duration of the growing season to meet pollinator foraging requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chest ports are typically inserted via the right internal jugular vein with the left side being utilized in certain patient populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamic position of the chest port and catheter tip, comparing a demographically matched cohort of female breast cancer patients with right‐ or left‐sided chest ports. Methods: 142 female patients with breast cancer requiring chest port insertion for chemotherapy and imaging confirming catheter tip position initially with supine fluoroscopy and follow‐up with erect chest radiography over a 5‐year period were identified. Data points analyzed were catheter tip‐to‐carina distance and the distance from the port to the ipsilateral infraclavicular border. Intraprocedural measurements were taken in the supine position during chest port insertion and compared with follow‐up erect chest radiography. The catheter tip position was also allocated a zone within the venous system on both image sets to assess for significant retraction to a more proximal zone in the erect position. Imaging within 12‐months of chest port insertion was also screened to identify port‐related complications. Results: The whole cohort showed significant retraction of the catheter tip (cephalad) (p < 0.001) and protraction of the port (caudal) (p < 0.001). The median tip‐to‐carina distance decreased from 38.3 mm to 28.6 mm and the port‐to‐clavicle distance increased from 31.3 mm to 64.6 mm. Right‐sided chest ports had increased tip‐to‐catheter retraction (15 mm) compared with left‐sided (6.9 mm) (p = 0.310). A complication was identified in 8.5% of the right‐sided and 11% of the left‐sided ports. Zone migration was significantly associated with the occurrence of a complication in left‐sided ports (p = 0.023). Conclusion: When assessing chest port catheter tip position between supine and erect radiographic studies in female patients with breast cancer, retraction cephalad will occur and this is more apparent in right‐sided ports. Change in catheter tip position was not associated with a significant increase in complication rate unless it occurred in left‐sided ports where zone migration was evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranyl and nickel(II) nitrates have been reacted with cis‐1,2‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic (H2chdc) and isonicotinic (H‐int) acids under solvo‐hydrothermal conditions, giving the heterometallic, mixed‐ligand complex [(UO2)2Ni(chdc)2(int)2]⋅CH3CN (1). The uranyl cation is bound to carboxylate groups of both ligands while NiII is attached to two carboxylate and two nitrogen donors, with two strong additional interactions with uranyl oxo groups giving a nearly regular octahedral environment. The short Ni−O(oxo) bond length of 2.114(3) Å amounts to 67 % of the sum of van der Waals radii. The trimetallic (UO2)2Ni6+ clusters thus formed are assembled by chdc2− ligands into linear chains which are further bridged by int− links to give a triperiodic framework with the dia topology, in which small channels encompass two rows of acetonitrile solvent molecules. Complex 1 does not display uranyl luminescence under excitation in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) autologous gene therapies are promising treatment for a variety of blood disorders. Investigation of the long‐term HSPC clonal dynamics and other measures of safety and durability following lentiviral‐mediated gene therapies in predictive models are crucial for assessing risks and benefits in order to inform decisions regarding wider utilization. We established an autologous lentivirally barcoded HSPC transplantation model in rhesus macaque (RM), a model offering insights into haematopoiesis and gene therapies with direct relevance to human. Healthy young adult RMs underwent total body irradiation, followed by transplantation of autologous HSPCs transduced with a lentiviral vector containing a diverse genetic barcode library, uniquely labelling individual HSPCs and their progeny. With up to 131 months of follow‐up, we now report quantitative clonal dynamics, characterizing the number, diversity, stability and lineage bias of hundreds of thousands of HSPC clones tracked in five RMs. We documented long‐term stable and multi‐lineage output from a highly polyclonal pool of HSPCs. Clonal succession after stable haematopoietic reconstitution was minimal. There was no evidence for accelerated acquisition of acquired somatic mutations following autologous lentivirally transduced HSPC transplantation. Our results provide relevant insights into long‐term HSPC behaviours in vivo following transplantation and gene therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programming effects of maternal undernutrition on fetal metabolic and cardiovascular systems are well elucidated, yet a detailed characterization of maternal haemodynamics is not available. This study used comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to quantify maternal haemodynamics after 29 days (111–140 days) of late‐gestation undernutrition (LGUN) in pregnant sheep. Control ewes received 100% of metabolizable energy requirements (MERs, n = 15), whereas LGUN ewes were globally nutrient restricted to 50% MER (n = 18), with a subset of fetuses undergoing continuous glucose infusion (LGUN + G, n = 6/18). Ewes underwent CMR (138–140 days' gestation), and placental tissue was collected the next day. Ewes in both LGUN groups had reduced body weight and mean blood glucose concentration across gestation. Ventricular dimensions were lower in both LGUN groups. Uterine artery blood flow (QUtA) was elevated in the LGUN group compared with controls, whereas peripheral blood flow was reduced and further diminished in LGUN + G. Maternal weight change correlated with all haemodynamic parameters across all groups. Uteroplacental oxygen and glucose delivery were increased in LGUN compared to control ewes, whereas uteroplacental oxygen consumption was preserved. LGUN did not impact placental or fetal weight, and markers of brain‐sparing physiology were absent. Placental expression of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF‐1 and IGF‐2) and their receptors, glucose, fatty acid (FA) or amino acid transporters and markers of angiogenesis was not impacted. FA transporter expression was positively correlated with QUtA, and FA binding protein correlated negatively with maternal weight change. Maternal cardiovascular adaptations in response to LGUN manifest as preservation of placental growth and function, thereby preserving fetal growth. Key points: Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy alters fetal metabolic and cardiovascular physiology, but little is known about alterations in maternal haemodynamics.Late‐gestation undernutrition (LGUN) and LGUN + G redirected maternal blood flow from the periphery to the uteroplacental unit, concomitantly increasing the delivery of glucose and oxygen to the uteroplacental unit.Substrate transporter expression and uteroplacental oxygen consumption were preserved in LGUN and LGUN + G, suggesting prioritization of the placenta.This study is the first to report detailed maternal haemodynamics in the setting of maternal undernutrition, where placental growth and function were maintained, ultimately preserving fetal oxygen metabolism and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Early‐phase trials of venetoclax in children and teenagers/young adults with leukaemia have yielded promising results, but there remains a paucity of real‐world data. To address this, we report a cohort of 41 children treated with venetoclax for a range of haematological malignancies, demonstrating complete remission in 43.6%, with most achieving minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Venetoclax was particularly effective as a bridge to transplant, with bridging successful in 75% of patients. Patients with MRD <1% at initiation of venetoclax were more likely to achieve MRD negativity (81.8% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.007) and had improved overall survival (54.5% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.004). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need to improve mental health outcomes among young people. One approach taken to address this problem has been the design and delivery of universal school‐based prevention, based on therapeutic models such as CBT and mindfulness. Such interventions are delivered to groups of young people, irrespective of risk or need. However, in this commentary, we argue that the initial appeal of universal interventions has not been supported by the evidence: universal school‐based prevention is less effective than targeted approaches, often leads to null or unsustained positive effects, has the potential to elicit negative effects and is not well liked by young people themselves. In addition, many young people in each classroom already meet the criteria for a mental disorder, meaning that prevention approaches may not be appropriate or effective for this group. In this commentary, we respond to Birrell et al.'s (2025) paper by arguing that the field should move away from universal prevention and instead invest our limited resources in the refinement and dissemination of interventions with a stronger evidence base, such as one‐to‐one, targeted and indirect approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Abnormal thyroid function tests (TFTs) are found in a wide range of settings in hospitalised infants. This retrospective descriptive study reviewed management decisions and outcomes of these infants, identifying factors influencing clinicians' decision to treat with thyroxine.Data were collected for all infants referred to the on‐call endocrinology service at a tertiary Australian centre for thyroid dysfunction between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2021. Electronic medical records were reviewed for birth and neonatal factors, TFTs, relevant investigations, treatment and disposition.Of 124 infants referred to the service over a 2‐year period, 43% (52 out of 120) were premature, with a high rate of comorbidities, including jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress and cardiac anomalies. About 57% (69 out of 121) of referrals to the service were from neonatal intensive care units. Investigations to evaluate hypothyroidism included nuclear thyroid scans in 40% (46 out of 114) and ultrasound in 37% (41 out of 112). Levothyroxine treatment was initiated in 66% (77 out of 117) of infants, with 63% (73 out of 117) assigned a presumptive diagnosis of transient congenital hypothyroidism. At the end of the study period, 70% (54 out of 77) remained on thyroid replacement.Our study demonstrates the challenge clinicians face when deciding whether to treat premature and medically unwell infants with abnormal TFTs. Further prospective studies are required to determine predictors of permanent CH in this complex population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objective: This study examined (a) differences in demographic and injury‐related characteristics following traumatic brain injury (TBI) between Native American and White individuals; (b) differences in community participation between Native American and White individuals with TBI at 1, 2, and 5 years after TBI; and (c) whether demographic or injury‐related characteristics account for community participation disparities. Research Method/Design: A sample of 63 Native American individuals demographically matched to 63 White individuals (n = 126) was enrolled while on acute rehabilitation for moderate or severe TBI. Baseline demographic and injury‐related characteristics were collected at this time and the Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools (PART‐O) measure of community participation at 1, 2, and 5 years after TBI. Results: Native American individuals were less likely to have private insurance and be employed at the time of injury and more likely to have had lower educational attainment and engaged in binge drinking in the month prior to TBI compared to White individuals. Native American individuals demonstrated lower Out and About scores but statistically equivalent Social and Productivity scores. The difference in Out and About scores did not change as a function of time, and the overall difference between the two groups dissipated with the inclusion of statistically different sociodemographic variables. Conclusions/Implications: Clinicians can provide culturally sensitive, patient‐ and family‐centered care by conducting comprehensive interviews and identifying strengths as well as risk factors that enhance or hinder community participation after TBI in Native American individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: By design, tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCRE) provide more focal brain activity signals than conventional electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes placed further apart. This study compared spectral characteristics and rates of data loss to noisy epochs with TCRE versus conventional EEG signals recorded during sleep. A total of 20 healthy sleepers (12 females; mean [standard deviation] age 27.8 [9.6] years) underwent a 9‐h sleep study. Participants were set up for polysomnography recording with TCRE to assess brain activity from 18 sites and conventional electrodes for EEG, eyes, and muscle movement. A fast Fourier transform using multitaper‐based estimation was applied in 5‐s epochs to scored sleep. Odds ratios with Bonferroni‐adjusted 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the proportional differences in the number of noisy epochs between electrode types. Relative power was compared in frequency bands throughout sleep. Linear mixed models showed significant main effects of signal type (p < 0.001) and sleep stage (p < 0.001) on relative spectral power in each power band, with lower relative spectral power across all stages in TCRE versus EEG in alpha, beta, sigma, and theta activity, and greater delta power in all stages. Scalp topography plots showed distinct beta activation in the right parietal lobe with TCRE versus EEG. EEG showed higher rates of noisy epochs compared to TCRE (1.3% versus 0.8%, p < 0.001). TCRE signals showed marked differences in brain activity compared to EEG, consistent with more focal measurements and region‐specific differences during sleep. TCRE may be useful for evaluating regional differences in brain activity with reduced muscle artefact compared to conventional EEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace incivility research has grown considerably over recent decades. However, this stream of research still has not adequately explained targets' attributions for experienced incivility or their potential positive responses to incivility. The present study longitudinally investigates the relationship between attributions for workplace incivility and relationship improvement responses with data from 1871 person‐month observations. In contrast to expectations, we found targets' beliefs that their relationship with the uncivil coworker was the cause of the incivility (i.e., relational locus of causality) were negatively related to relationship improvement behaviours. The results also indicated that this negative relationship was attenuated by belief that the target had control over the cause of incivility (i.e., internal controllability) and task interdependence at the between‐person level, and by belief that the uncivil coworker had control over the cause of incivility (i.e., external controllability) at the within‐person level. Direct effects analysis indicated that internal and external controllability attributions for incivility had significant positive between‐person effects on relationship improvement efforts. Frequency of interaction and task interdependence were both significant positive predictors of relationship improvement efforts at both the between‐ and within‐person levels. Implications for research and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon three waves of micro‐level data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) collected during the period of 2015 to 2018, the study empirically examines the relationship between voting participation in grassroots elections and individual‐level SWB in rural China. The empirical results indicate that those rural residents who participated in villagers' committee elections are associated with higher levels of SWB. Furthermore, the findings based on partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) also reveal that the positive relationship between rural residents' voting participation and their SWB is mediated by a chain effect of subjective social class and perceived social fairness. Significant heterogeneity of such mediation roles across different demographic groups is detected. The findings of this research highlight the importance of promoting the engagement of residents in grassroots‐level elections as a means of enhancing social harmony. Public Significance: This study demonstrates that voting participation in rural elections in China is associated with individual subjective well‐being, with this effect mediated by individual social status and sense of fairness. These findings underscore the importance of civic engagement in promoting personal well‐being, highlighting the need for policies that encourage widespread participation in grassroots governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychotropic medications are a common treatment modality for people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). While effective in reducing relapse and hospitalisation, psychotropic medications cause numerous side effects, varying in nature and severity. Identification and management of side effects is crucial in the ongoing management of SPMI. Objective: To characterise the side effects of psychotropic medications, experienced by a sample of consumers living with SPMI, using a validated tool. Setting and Participants: Consumers with SPMI living in the community were recruited from all 25 community pharmacies across four Australian regions, which were allocated to the intervention arm of the Bridging the Gap between Physical and Mental Illness (PharMIbridge) randomised controlled trial (RCT). Main Outcome Measures: Responses to the My Medicines & Me Questionnaire (M3Q). Results: Consumers (n = 156) most frequently reported side effects in the categories of sleep‐related side effects (80.8%, n = 126), mood‐related side effects (75.6%, n = 118) and weight and appetite changes (60.3%, n = 107). Daytime somnolence was the most reported individual side effect (68.6%, n = 107). Mood‐related side effects were ranked as the most bothersome, followed by sleep‐related side effects and weight and appetite changes. More than one‐quarter (29.5%, n = 46) of consumers reported choosing not to take their medications due to side effects. Consumers more frequently told family and friends about the side effects rather than healthcare professionals. Conclusions: An overwhelming majority of consumers experienced at least one side effect attributed to their psychotropic medication, with many experiencing multiple. These findings highlight the critical need to regularly engage with consumers to discuss, identify and manage side effects to treatment burden, reduce risk of non‐adherence and improve their treatment experience. Patient or Public Contribution: The PharMIbridge RCT included a training programme and intervention service that was co‐designed and co‐delivered with people with lived experience of mental illness. The research team, expert advisory panel and mentors who supported the delivery and implementation of the training and intervention included participants who have lived experience of mental illness or caring for someone with mental illness. Trial Registration: ANZCTR12620000577910. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: For people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight, weight loss increases the likelihood of achieving diabetes remission. The aim here was to draw on the experiences of people living with type 2 diabetes and coaches who deliver type 2 diabetes prevention and remission programmes. This was done to develop a service that increases the proportion of people who achieve remission by identifying an effective weight management service. Research Design and Methods: A qualitative researcher and co‐researcher with type 2 diabetes conducted 37 narrative interviews with adults with type 2 diabetes (October 2022–June 2023) and 16 semi‐structured interviews with health coaches delivering type 2 diabetes programmes in England. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Participants were diverse in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, gender and years since diabetes diagnosis. Results: Four themes were generated relating to moments in a person's diabetes care: (1) coming to terms with diagnosis, (2) lightbulb moments, (3) sustaining change as normal and (4) becoming expert/building confidence. These four themes were united under a high‐level interpretivist theme: 'Same journey, different experience', capturing the mismatch between a linear rigid care pathway described by coaches and the diversity of experience of people living with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Coaches and people with type 2 diabetes are aligned on their reports of key moments in adapting to diabetes. Participants' desire for flexibility in their care contrasted with coach reports of rigid service provision. These insights may enable more people with type 2 diabetes to engage and adhere to weight management services aimed at diabetes remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burying beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides) is thought to be predominantly sexually monomorphic. Males carry an additional abdominal segment and produce pheromones, but otherwise the sexes are alike.Both sexes bear bright orange bands on their black elytra, which probably function as part of a warning display rather than in mate choice. In wild populations, the sexes do not differ in mean body size, nor in its variation.Here we describe a form of sexual size dimorphism in wild populations that has previously been overlooked. We show that males have wider heads than females, for any given pronotum width (body size), and that the scaling relationship between head width and pronotum width is hyperallometric in males, but isometric in females. We also show how absolute head width, as well as the extent of sexual dimorphism in head width, differs among seven wild populations inhabiting different woodlands that are within c.10 km of each other.We suggest that head size dimorphism is functionally related to bite force. We hypothesise that dimorphism could be due to divergent selection arising from task specialisation during biparental care, as the duties of care favoured by males are likely to require a greater bite force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residents are required to participate in practice‐based learning and improvement. Most commonly, a resident‐initiated patient follow‐up log is used to meet the requirement. We sought to provide residents with follow‐up information in an efficient, value‐added manner via a patient follow‐up report (PFUR). Methods: The PFUR is an automated monthly report sent to individual residents via email. It was generated from the electronic medical record and included five categories of cases: patients who were discharged and returned for admission within 72 h, diagnosis‐based criteria, patients who expired during the hospital stay, patients who were admitted to or upgraded to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h of admission, and patients independently flagged by the care team for follow‐up. The PFURs were analyzed for 6 months after implementation for number and categorization of cases included as well as via survey of the residents. Results: In 6 months, 1078 patients, generating 1155 follow‐ups, were included on the PFUR. ICU upgrades were the most represented category (41%), followed by diagnosis‐based criteria (30%). Patients who were discharged and admitted within 72 h were least commonly represented on the PFUR (2%). Seventy‐eight percent of residents felt that patient follow‐ups were valuable to their education and 82% felt that the PFUR impacted the clinical care they provided. The PFUR was preferred by 90% of resident respondents and had an average value rating of 4.38 out of 5. Conclusions: Overall numbers of patient follow‐ups significantly increased after implementation of the PFUR. Certain categories were more represented overall and within each class, which has implications for future educational initiatives. After a pilot period, the novel PFUR appears to be more efficient, accessible, and highly valued than the log used previously. Programs looking to maximize the educational benefits of patient follow‐ups may consider a similar initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses the life and career of Parwati Soepangat as a case study to shed light on the narrative of Buddhist women in postcolonial Indonesia. It contends that, unlike Theravāda Buddhist‐majority nations in mainland Southeast Asia, Indonesia's lack of a patriarchal monastic authority allowed Buddhist women, like Parwati Soepangat, to emerge within the Indonesian Buddhayāna movement. This movement, advocating for inclusive and nonsectarian indigenous Buddhism, aimed to promote "Indonesian Buddhism" (agama Buddha Indonesia) as a diverse yet unified religion in harmony with the motto of "Unity in Diversity." Through the examination of interviews, Buddhist publications, periodicals, and Parwati Soepangat's personal writings, this research delves into her dual minority status — both as a Buddhist and a woman — in a predominantly Muslim nation. As this article will illustrate, Parwati Soepangat championed the concept of "Buddhist feminist theology" (teologi feminis Buddha) and simultaneously advocated for gender equality and women's empowerment as strategic approaches to propagate Buddhist teachings throughout Indonesia and amplify women's participation in the Indonesian Buddhayāna movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how modern anti‐natalist movements have emerged in Japan, India, China and the United States. Drawing on interviews, online discussions and public protests, it explores these movements' distinctive secular understanding of human procreation. While traditional societies interpreted birth using religious or spiritual frameworks, anti‐natalists consider procreation an ethical decision shaped by legal reasoning, scientific knowledge and existential philosophy. They portray birth as a random event subject to calculation, raise questions about consent to life and position parents as ethically responsible 'small gods'. These movements, which have found resonance among urban youth, point to deep changes in how people think about family ties and social obligations. Questions about having children have become more complex as reproductive technologies multiply and environmental pressures mount. What was once taken for granted now prompts serious ethical reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has marked effects on global weather patterns and oceanic systems, impacting animal behaviour and fitness in potentially profound ways. Despite this, we lack detailed information about species' responses to climatic variation. Using an 11‐year tracking dataset of over 300 individual birds, we explore the consequences of variation in the southern annular mode (SAM) and southern oscillation index (SOI) for individual behaviour and fitness in wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans breeding in the Southern Indian Ocean. Our results reveal distinct responses between males and females to climatic variation that align with the impacts of each climatic index on the distinct foraging ranges of each sex. In positive SAM phases, linked to poorer foraging conditions in female ranges and better conditions in male ranges, females exhibited behaviour consistent with reduced foraging success: that is, fewer prey capture attempts and more movement between feeding patches. Males, on the other hand, showed no behavioural change. During positive SOI phases, associated with good foraging conditions in both male and female foraging ranges, both sexes showed evidence of more successful foraging, with birds engaging in more search behaviour, and taking shorter trips with fewer prey capture attempts, together indicating increased food intake per unit time. We found limited evidence for a role of individual variation, as measured through differences in personality, suggesting that plastic responses to climate are sufficiently important so as to obscure inter‐individual variation. Supporting this was the finding that individual breeding success was unaffected by climatic variation, suggesting that plastic foraging behaviour allows albatrosses to mitigate climate impacts and maintain reproductive output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining research in political geography and social psychology, this article investigates lay theories of "place effects"—that is, ordinary citizens' beliefs about the effects that urban or rural places have on the individuals who live in them. We do so using a novel survey vignette embedded in a large‐scale survey of the Canadian public. Our results suggest that (1) citizens see rural identities as less malleable than urban identities, (2) lay theories of place effects depend on citizens' own place identities, and (3) lay theories of place effects are stronger for nonpolitical than for political place‐based characteristics. We also find that lay theories of place effects are associated with individual‐level characteristics that are connected to cosmopolitan‐communitarian divides, such as ideology and postsecondary education. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for the growing literature on urban–rural divides and for research on citizens' implicit theories of places and their political consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of volumes 41-48 of the British Educational Research Journal (BERJ) and highlights key themes and papers published between 2015 and 2022. It discusses the development and position of education and educational research, including topics such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. The selection process for papers in this special issue is outlined, covering themes like education in a digital world, marginalization, mental health, the climate crisis, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and new approaches to educational research. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing social justice issues in education and reflects on the future directions of educational research and practice. [Extracted from the article]

Background: We recently developed a novel tau‐PET summary measure THETA, capturing regional heterogeneity and identifying tau status, using ground truth visual assessments from a large single‐center cross‐sectional dataset and validated on independent cohorts [1, 2]. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the performance of THETA on longitudinal and histopathology data. Method: We included longitudinal tau‐PET ([18F]flortaucipir) data from 696 Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) and ADRC participants, with histopathology in n = 90. Fig. 1 shows the model that uses regional standard uptake value ratios (SUVR) and a target of binary class of tau positivity for prediction of THETA. This model was applied to predict tau status on each followup scan. Slopes of the meta‐ROIs' tau SUVRs and THETA were evaluated by diagnostic group and as a function of baseline amyloid SUVR in discordant CU participants (where meta‐ROI and visual assessments did not match at baseline) and in incident‐THETA+ CU participants (whose THETA moved from below to above 1 over serial tau‐PET scans). We evaluated tau measurements as a function of Braak stages for neurofibrillary tangles. Result: Longitudinal plots of meta‐ROIs for diagnostic groups were very similar, but the expanded range of THETA based on visual positivity prediction clearly identified tau positive or tau‐negative scans. In discordant‐CU (n = 97) and incident‐THETA+ CU participants (n = 14 all amyloid positive at follow‐up but only 65% at baseline), the relationship between baseline amyloid and rate of tau increase was stronger for THETA than temporal meta‐ROI (Fig. 2). Separation between baseline and follow‐up was greater for THETA (t‐statistics = 90) compared to temporal meta‐ROI (t‐statistics = 20) (p<0.01) in the incident‐THETA+ CU participants. THETA showed a slightly stronger association with Braak stage than meta‐ROIs (rho = 0.87 vs. ≤0.83, p<0.05), with better separation of clinical diagnoses (Fig. 3). Conclusion: THETA remained clearly negative or positive in MCI and AD, providing consistent information on underlying etiology of impairment at both baseline and follow‐up. Although binary in its construction, THETA both provided separation of values based on tau status and its change correlated with baseline amyloid burden especially in discordant‐CU where tau deposition is not in typical meta‐ROIs. Further work is needed to confirm if THETA captures early tau changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior longitudinal studies among older adults have documented associations between hearing loss and changes in brain morphology. Whether interventions involving hearing aids can reduce age‐related atrophy is unknown. A substudy within the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE, Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422) randomized controlled trial tested the effect of a best‐practices hearing intervention versus health education control on three‐year change in cortical thickness among older adults with hearing loss. Method: The ACHIEVE study enrolled 977 community‐dwelling adults aged 70‐84 years at baseline (2018‐2019) with untreated hearing loss (better ear pure tone average [0.5‐4 kHz] ≥30 and <70 dB HL) and without substantial cognitive impairment from four sites across the U.S. (Jackson, MS, Forsyth County, NC, Minneapolis, MN, Washington County, MD). Participants were randomized to a hearing intervention (provision of hearing aids and related technologies, counseling, and education) or a health education control (individual sessions with a health educator covering topics relevant to chronic disease and disability prevention). Three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 3 Tesla Siemens scanners in a subsample of 445 participants at the ACHIEVE baseline and three‐year follow‐up. Linear mixed effects models were used in intention‐to‐treat analyses to estimate three‐year change in cortical thickness. All models adjusted for baseline measures of hearing loss, recruitment source, site, age, sex, and education. Missing outcome and covariate data was imputed to mitigate bias caused by informative attrition. Result: At baseline, 224 participants were women (50.3%), 52 participants were Black (11.7%), and the mean (SD) age was 76.4 (4.0) years old (Table 1). Compared to the health education control, the hearing intervention exhibited a nominally protective effect on three‐year change in average cortical thickness (Figure 1). The greatest effect size for cortical thickness was observed in the occipital lobe, while the smallest effect size was detected in the temporal lobe. Statistically significant effects were detected in the pars orbitalis, rostral anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, and isthmus cingulate (Figure 2). Conclusion: Hearing aid use may reduce decline in cortical thickness among older adults. The effects of hearing aids may be greatest in regions other than those associated with the auditory cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few normative data for computerized measures administered in unsupervised remote environments are available. We aimed to determine what variables to include in normative models for remote self‐administered assessments, develop normative data for measures administered through Mayo Test Drive (MTD, a multi‐device remote cognitive assessment platform) and evaluate application of norms. Method: 1240 adults ages 33‐100 (96% White) from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging and Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center met normative sample inclusion criteria that included a concordant Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) diagnosis (3 independent raters all diagnosed CU) and CDR = 0 (see Table 1 for sample characteristics). Raw test scores were converted to normalized scaled scores. We derived regression‐based normative data that adjusted for age, age2, sex and education (base model); alternative models are also provided (age+age2+sex; age+ age2). We evaluated whether additional model terms beyond the base model were needed using an a priori cut‐off of 1% variance improvement in adjusted R2 over and above the base model. We examined rates of low test performance defined as performance below ‐1 SD in independent validation samples (n = 167 concordant CU, n = 64 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 14 dementia). Rates are considered significantly different than expected when 95% confidence intervals (CIs) do not include the expected 14.7% base rate frequency. Result: No additional potential model terms met our a priori cut‐off for inclusion beyond the base model (see Table 2), including other quadratic and cubic terms or interactions, device type, response input type, potential session interference, and national area deprivation index (ADI available in subset; N = 776). Application of norms showed expected rates of low test performance among CU participants (95% CI includes expected base rate) and significantly greater than expected rates of low test performance for all variables in MCI (e.g., 62.5% for composite) and dementia (e.g., 71.4% for composite; see Table 3). Conclusion: Typical normative models appear appropriate for remote self‐administered measures and are sensitive to cognitive impairment. Device type and response input did not explain enough variance to warrant inclusion in normative models but are important for individual level interpretation. Future work will improve representation of individuals from under‐represented groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quirk of the Westminster system is that Ministers invariably have to "learn on the job". Yet "learning" has been surprisingly understudied in work on executive government in Britain especially. In this paper, we offer a systematic account of Ministerial learning based on a comprehensive analysis of the Ministers Reflect archive—the largest dataset of research interviews with former Westminster ministers ever assembled. We identify six distinct learning styles—incremental, risk‐averse, managerial, creative, instrumental and instinctive—and assess the implications for how Ministers adjust to the challenges of high political office. We conclude by showing what an appreciation for this variety of Ministerial learning styles can offer the study and practice of executive government in Britain and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]