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Integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in authentic ways is often overlooked in early childhood spaces, despite young children having the ability to engage with the world around them through STEM practices. This piece showcases the work of children in a prekindergarten classroom as they explored an integrated STEM unit centering around the construction of a treehouse on their playground. Through the careful connection to content and standards in science, engineering, and mathematics, along with the integration of developmentally appropriate uses of technology, children learned about and constructed a treehouse on their school playground. Family and community partnerships also contributed to this work. We highlight the various phases of the project, associated standards, and tasks that children engaged with to help demonstrate the propensity of our youngest learners to authentically engage with STEM tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess whether simethicone reduces the rectal volume (RV) and gas volume (GV), to increase treatment accuracy and to decrease toxicity of prostate radiation therapy. Methods: 30 patients were randomised to simethicone or no intervention. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed on Days 1–3 and weekly until completion of radiation. RV and GV were measured using volume delineation. Toxicity data were collected. Results: 264 CBCTs were analysed. RV and GV were not significantly different in the simethicone group compared with the control group at each time point (P >0.05) after adjusting for Week 0 values as a covariate. The simethicone group showed an average reduction in RV and GV of 10% and 21%, respectively, compared with the control group (P >0.05). Standard deviations were calculated over 10 time points, which were grouped to represent the first 2–3 weeks of radiation therapy versus subsequent weeks. These were not significantly different between the simethicone and control group. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the variability of RV at time points 6–10 compared with time points 1–5 within the simethicone group (P = 0.012), but no significant difference was found between these grouped time points in the control group (P = 0.581). The toxicity questionnaires showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Simethicone did not decrease the RV or GV overall. However, simethicone appeared to significantly decrease the RV variability from Week three onwards. This suggests that taking simethicone two to three weeks before starting radiation therapy may reduce RV variability, although a larger study is needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Population‐based biomarker surveys are the gold standard for estimating HIV prevalence but are susceptible to substantial non‐participation (up to 30%). Analytical missing data methods, including inverse‐probability weighting (IPW) and multiple imputation (MI), are biased when data are missing‐not‐at‐random, for example when people living with HIV more frequently decline participation. Heckman‐type selection models can, under certain assumptions, recover unbiased prevalence estimates in such scenarios. Methods: We pooled data from 142,706 participants aged 15–49 years from nationally representative cross‐sectional Population‐based HIV Impact Assessments in seven countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, conducted between 2015 and 2018 in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini. We compared sex‐stratified HIV prevalence estimates from unadjusted, IPW, MI and selection models, controlling for household and individual‐level predictors of non‐participation, and assessed the sensitivity of selection models to the copula function specifying the correlation between study participation and HIV status. Results: In total, 84.1% of participants provided a blood sample to determine HIV serostatus (range: 76% in Malawi to 95% in Uganda). HIV prevalence estimates from selection models diverged from IPW and MI models by up to 5% in Lesotho, without substantial precision loss. In Tanzania, the IPW model yielded lower HIV prevalence estimates among males than the best‐fitting copula selection model (3.8% vs. 7.9%). Conclusions: We demonstrate how HIV prevalence estimates from selection models can differ from those obtained under missing‐at‐random assumptions. Further benefits include exploration of plausible relationships between participation and outcome. While selection models require additional assumptions and careful specification, they are an important tool for triangulating prevalence estimates in surveys with substantial missing data due to non‐participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Romanowsky staining is often the initial method used to stain hematologic and cytologic materials. While immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a well‐established method on air‐dried smears, there are rare veterinary reports of ICC involving Romanowsky‐stained slides. Objectives: This study aimed to compare immunoreactivity of unstained vs Romanowsky‐stained specimens, evaluate reactions over time, and assess ICC associations with confirmatory tests of 50 lymphoma cases. Another goal aimed to optimize manual ICC protocols with cellular and tissue immunomarkers to detect CD3ε, CD20, Pax5, MHCII, lysozyme, MUM1, vimentin, cytokeratin, and Melan‐A antigens on Romanowsky‐stained specimens. Materials and methods: Cytologic specimens from cases of lymphoid and nonlymphoid neoplasms were stained with a methanolic Romanowsky method. Additional unstained slides from these cases were used for comparison with the stained materials. Antigen retrieval involved a citrate buffer pH6 or Tris/EDTA pH9 at 95°C for 25 minutes in a decloaking chamber. Immunocytochemistry used known positive and secondary antibody‐only negative cytologic controls. Immunoreactivity of unstained and prestained lymphoma slides was graded by the intensity and percent of stained cells. Signal grading was monitored over time for diagnostic differences. Results: Unstained and Romanowsky‐stained slides had similar membrane/cytoplasm graded reactions, but unstained slides produced stronger signals. Romanowsky‐stained blood films from B‐cell and T‐cell leukemias showed minimal loss of signal when monitored over 20 weeks. Signal differences did not change the diagnosis. There was a significant association between ICC and confirmatory tests. Optimization involved antibody dilution and antigen retrieval methodology for each antibody tested. Conclusions: Immunocytochemistry of Romanowsky‐stained material can be successfully performed using antibodies against CD3ε, CD20, cytokeratin, lysozyme, Melan‐A, MHCII, MUM1, Pax5, and vimentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YEATS domain (YD) containing proteins are an emerging class of epigenetic targets in drug discovery. Dysregulation of these modified lysine‐binding proteins has been linked to the onset and progression of cancers. We herein report the discovery and characterisation of the first small‐molecule chemical probe, SGC‐iMLLT, for the YD of MLLT1 (ENL/YEATS1) and MLLT3 (AF9/YEATS3). SGC‐iMLLT is a potent and selective inhibitor of MLLT1/3–histone interactions. Excellent selectivity over other human YD proteins (YEATS2/4) and bromodomains was observed. Furthermore, our probe displays cellular target engagement of MLLT1 and MLLT3. The first small‐molecule X‐ray co‐crystal structures with the MLLT1 YD are also reported. This first‐in‐class probe molecule can be used to understand MLLT1/3‐associated biology and the therapeutic potential of small‐molecule YD inhibitors. Molecular poetry: YEATS domain (YD) containing proteins are an emerging class of epigenetic protein targets in drug discovery. A screening hit has been developed into the first potent, selective, and cell‐active chemical probe for the YD‐containing proteins MLLT1 and MLLT3. The probe represents the first inhibitor of its class to explore YD‐associated biology and disease links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: RIPK2 mediates inflammatory signaling by the bacteria‐sensing receptors NOD1 and NOD2. Kinase inhibitors targeting RIPK2 are a proposed strategy to ameliorate NOD‐mediated pathologies. Here, we reveal that RIPK2 kinase activity is dispensable for NOD2 inflammatory signaling and show that RIPK2 inhibitors function instead by antagonizing XIAP‐binding and XIAP‐mediated ubiquitination of RIPK2. We map the XIAP binding site on RIPK2 to the loop between β2 and β3 of the N‐lobe of the kinase, which is in close proximity to the ATP‐binding pocket. Through characterization of a new series of ATP pocket‐binding RIPK2 inhibitors, we identify the molecular features that determine their inhibition of both the RIPK2‐XIAP interaction, and of cellular and in vivoNOD2 signaling. Our study exemplifies how targeting of the ATP‐binding pocket in RIPK2 can be exploited to interfere with the RIPK2‐XIAP interaction for modulation of NOD signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Background Reducing dietary salt intake lowers blood pressure and proteinuria, both of which are beneficial in preventing renal disease progression. Hospital meals are often accompanied by salt sachets, providing patients with additional salt. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of salt sachet provision by request only (i.e. the patient must ask for a salt sachet rather than the sachet being placed automatically on the tray), on meal consumption and salt intake. A secondary aim was to determine policy on salt sachet provision in other hospitals. Design Salt sachet use and meal consumption was assessed on a renal ward over two weeks. Salt sachets were then provided 'by request only' and the assessment was repeated. Renal Nutrition Group members were surveyed to determine the policy of sachet provision in other hospitals. Results Salt intake was significantly reduced during the period when salt was provided by request only compared with routine salt provision (p < 0.01). Meal consumption was similar during both periods. Salt sachet provision varied by hospital. Conclusion Providing salt sachets by 'request only' reduced salt intake without affecting meal consumption. This is now the adopted policy on the renal ward at our hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric embryonal brain tumors can be difficult to classify. Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors ( ATRT) contain rhabdoid cells, while primitive neuroectodermal tumors ( PNETs) are composed of 'small round blue cells.' Loss of INI1 is a common event in ATRT; therefore, we investigated if the loss of INI1 protein expression was also observed in central nervous system ( CNS) PNET and pineoblastoma. A histological review of 42 CNS PNETs and six pineoblastomas was performed. INI1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Sequencing was performed on the mutational hotspots of INI1. INI1-immunonegative tumors were further investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Epithelial membrane antigen ( EMA) protein expression was assessed in six CNS PNETs to further define the phenotype. Five CNS PNETs without rhabdoid cell morphology were immuno-negative for both INI1 and EMA. Of these primary CNS PNET patients, three died <11 months postdiagnosis, which was dissimilar to the INI1-immunopositive primary CNS PNETs where 18/24 (75%) patients were alive 1 year postdiagnosis. We have identified a small subgroup of CNS PNETs which lack INI1 protein expression, but have no evidence of rhabdoid cell morphology. INI1 protein loss may occur through mechanisms other than gene deletion. INI1 immunohistochemistry should be performed for all CNS PNET cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two young adult dogs with gastrointestinal signs were each found to have an intra-abdominal mass based on physical examination and diagnostic imaging. On exploratory laparotomy, small intestinal masses and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were found in both dogs; a liver mass was also found in dog 1. Cytologic and histologic examination of intestinal and liver masses and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed 2 distinct lymphoid cell populations: lymphoblasts and atypical Mott cells. With Romanowsky stains, the atypical Mott cells contained many discrete, clear to pale blue cytoplasmic inclusions consistent with Russell bodies that were positive by immunohistochemistry for IgM and CD79a in both dogs and for IgG in dog 2. The Mott cells and occasional lymphoblasts stained strongly positive with periodic acid-Schiff. Using flow cytometric immunophenotyping in dog 1, 60% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and 85% of cells in an affected lymph node were positive for CD21, CD79a, IgM, and MCH II, indicative of B-cells. With electron microscopy, disorganized and dilated endoplasmic reticulum was seen in Mott cells in tumors from both dogs. Antigen receptor gene rearrangement analysis of lymph node and intestinal masses indicated a clonal B-cell population. Based on cell morphology, tissue involvement, and evidence for clonal B-cell proliferation, we diagnosed neoplasms involving Mott cells. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second report of Mott cell tumors or, more appropriately, B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation, in dogs. More complete characterization of this neoplasm requires further investigation of additional cases. This lymphoproliferative disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis for canine gastrointestinal tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated and compared the clinical and histopathological effects of prednisone on acute radiation-induced dermatitis (ARID) in dogs treated with 48 Gray of fractionated irradiation targeted to the skin surface. The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial. Twenty-two otherwise healthy companion dogs completed the clinical study. Three dogs were excluded from complete histopathological analysis because the owner declined one (one dog) or both (two dogs) biopsies. The study duration for each dog was 36 days from the start of radiation therapy (RT) to the first re-examination post RT. Dogs were treated with either oral prednisone at 0.5 mg kg−1 or sugar pill, daily. All dogs received 48 Gray of fractionated, standardized RT, beginning 2 weeks after tumour excision. Acute Radiation Morbidity Scores, Cutaneous Toxicity Extent and Severity scores, digital images, and impression cytology were carried out on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 36. Four-millimetre skin specimens from days 15 (RT-11) and 36 (2 weeks after the last RT dose) were scored by a pathologist and a dermatologist, blind to specimen identity. A one-way analysis of variance for longitudinal data was used to compare scores between groups. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to measure strength of association between clinical and histopathology scores (HPS). There was no significant difference in CUTES, AMS or HPS scores between groups. There was a strong correlation between clinical and HPS scores. Prednisone did not decrease ARID severity clinically or histopathologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions that lead to successful economic development are diverse and place sensitive. Recent research supports the notion that there is a correlation between the presence of natural amenities and rural economic development. This case explores the situation of a rural county that is faced with constrained development options as a result of a significant federal footprint on the county's land area. The actions of the federal agencies managing the resources impact the economic vitality of the region. Two issues currently under review challenge the county to think critically about its potential for using nature as an economic development tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent estimate suggests that the Scottish wildcat may be critically endangered. Nevertheless, there is still no uncontroversial method for diagnosing the Scottish wildcat. We analysed morphological differences between wild-living cats in Scotland on the basis of 20 pelage characters, scoring from 1 (domestic cat) to 3 (wildcat), in combination with 40 skull parameters and intestinal length. A cluster analysis, based on Principal Components derived from the scores for pelage characters, showed that the wild-living cats fell into three main groups without any a priori classification. Each group corresponds well to the traditional characteristics of wildcats, hybrids and domestic cats, respectively, and the former two each show higher levels of morphological homogeneity compared with the third group. The three groups are most significantly differentiated by seven pelage characters: (1) extent of dorsal stripe, (2) shape of tail tip, (3) distinctness of tail bands, (4) presence/absence of broken stripes and (5) spots, on flanks and hindquarters, (6) shape and number of stripes on nape and (7) on the shoulders. Most Group-1 cats (75.6%, n=74), but none of the other two groups, score more than 2 for all seven characters. All Group-3 cats (n=35) and some Group-2 cats (19.2%, n=26), but no Group-1 cats, scored 1 for one or more of the seven characters. We propose that Group-1, which is the furthest from the domestic cat in all criteria, should be used to define the Scottish wildcat. However, in practice, if a wild-living cat does not score 1 for any of the seven characters it should be treated as a wildcat in the field. These definitions provide a simple way of diagnosing a Scottish wildcat scientifically, as well as practically, which will effectively facilitate conservation action and the enforcement of protective legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the article written by Stephen D. White and published in the journal related to veterinary dermatology in the U.S. The author states that White's article illustrates the importance of relationship between dermatologists and dermatopathologists in diagnosis of skin diseases in veterinary field. The author mentions that White's article describe sterile pyogranuloma and granuloma syndrome as a frequent diagnosis in canine patients.