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Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating protective immune responses and have also been implicated in the generation and regulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Here, we show that in the lamina propria of the small intestine, the alternative NF-κB family member RelB is necessary for the differentiation of cryptopatch and isolated lymphoid follicle-associated DCs (CIA-DCs). Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a RelB-dependent signature in migratory DCs in mesenteric lymph nodes favoring DC-Treg cell interaction including elevated expression and release of the chemokine CCL22 from RelB-deficient conventional DCs (cDCs). In line with the key role of CCL22 to facilitate DC-Treg cell interaction, RelB-deficient DCs have a selective advantage to interact with Treg cells in an antigen-specific manner. In addition, DC-specific RelB knockout animals show increased total Foxp3+ Treg cell numbers irrespective of inflammatory status. Consequently, DC-specific RelB knockout animals fail to mount protective Th2-dominated immune responses in the intestine after infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Thus, RelB expression in cDCs acts as a rheostat to establish a tolerogenic set point that is maintained even during strong type 2 immune conditions and thereby is a key regulator of intestinal homeostasis.

Abstract Identifying genetic drivers of chronic diseases is necessary for drug discovery. Here, we develop a machine learning-assisted genetic priority score, which we call ML-GPS, that incorporates genetic associations with predicted disease phenotypes to enhance target discovery. First, we construct gradient boosting models to predict 112 chronic disease phecodes in the UK Biobank and analyze associations of predicted and observed phenotypes with common, rare, and ultra-rare variants to model the allelic series. We integrate these associations with existing evidence using gradient boosting with continuous feature encoding to construct ML-GPS, training it to predict drug indications in Open Targets and externally testing it in SIDER. We then generate ML-GPS predictions for 2,362,636 gene-phecode pairs. We find that the use of predicted phenotypes, which identify substantially more genetic associations than observed phenotypes across the allele frequency spectrum, significantly improves the performance of ML-GPS. ML-GPS increases coverage of drug targets, with the top 1% of all scores providing support for 15,077 gene-phecode pairs that previously had no support. ML-GPS can also identify well-known target-disease relationships, promising targets without indicated drugs, and targets for several drugs in clinical trials, including LRRK2 inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease and olpasiran for cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Background Genetic perturbation screens with single-cell readouts have enabled rich phenotyping of gene function and regulatory networks. These approaches have been challenging in vivo, especially in adult disease models such as cancer, which include mixtures of malignant and microenvironment cells. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal cancer, and methods of systematically interrogating gene function and therapeutic targets in vivo, especially in combination with standard of care treatment such as radiotherapy, are lacking. Results Here, we iteratively develop a multiplex in vivo perturb-seq CRISPRi platform for single-cell genetic screens in cancer and tumor microenvironment cells that leverages intracranial convection enhanced delivery of sgRNA libraries into mouse models of GBM. Our platform enables potent silencing of drivers of in vivo growth and tumor maintenance as well as genes that sensitize GBM to radiotherapy. We find radiotherapy rewires transcriptional responses to genetic perturbations in an in vivo-dependent manner, revealing heterogenous patterns of treatment sensitization or resistance in GBM. Furthermore, we demonstrate targeting of genes that function in the tumor microenvironment, enabling alterations of ligand-receptor interactions between immune and stromal cells following in vivo CRISPRi perturbations that can affect tumor cell phagocytosis. Conclusion In sum, we demonstrate the utility of multiplexed perturb-seq for in vivo single-cell dissection of adult cancer and normal tissue biology across multiple cell types in the context of therapeutic intervention, a platform with potential for broad application.

Abstract The ongoing increase in wild boar populations across Europe has fostered human–wildlife conflicts, including the transmission of emerging pathogens with zoonotic importance. Blastocystis is a ubiquitous, faecal-oral transmitted protist that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and is observed in humans and animals worldwide. The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of Blastocystis is insufficiently understood. Thus, we investigated the occurrence and subtype diversity of Blastocystis in free-ranging wild boars from the Iberian Peninsula using conventional PCR and next-generation amplicon sequencing of a fragment of the ssu RNA gene. A total of 459 wild boar faecal samples were collected across Spain (n = 360) and Portugal (n = 99) between 2014 and 2021. Blastocystis was present in 15.3% (70/459; 95% CI 12.1–18.9) of the wild boars analysed, and its occurrence was significantly higher in Portugal (34.3%, 34/99; 95% CI 25.1–44.6) than in Spain (10.0%, 36/360; 95% CI 7.1–13.6). Seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST5, ST10b, ST13–ST15, ST24b, and ST43) were detected among the surveyed wild boar populations, with greater variability detected in Portuguese samples. ST5 was identified in all the Blastocystis-positive animals, whereas 14.3% of them harboured ST mixed colonisations. Our results demonstrate that Blastocystis ST5 is particularly adapted to infect wild boars. The additional identification of zoonotic STs reinforces the role of wild boars as spreaders of zoonotic infections with public health significance.

Abstract Background Predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a top global health threat, nationwide at an aggregate hospital level could help target interventions. Using machine learning, we exploit historical AMR and antimicrobial usage to predict future AMR. Methods Antimicrobial use and AMR prevalence in bloodstream infections in hospitals in England were obtained per hospital group (Trust) and financial year (FY, April–March) for 22 pathogen–antibiotic combinations (FY2016-2017 to FY2021-2022). Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model predictions were compared to the previous value taken forwards, the difference between the previous two years taken forwards and linear trend forecasting (LTF). XGBoost feature importances were calculated to aid interpretability. Results Here we show that XGBoost models achieve the best predictive performance. Relatively limited year-to-year variability in AMR prevalence within Trust–pathogen–antibiotic combinations means previous value taken forwards also achieves a low mean absolute error (MAE), similar to or slightly higher than XGBoost. Using the difference between the previous two years taken forward or LTF performs consistently worse. XGBoost considerably outperforms all other methods in Trusts with a larger change in AMR prevalence from FY2020-2021 (last training year) to FY2021-2022 (held-out test set). Feature importance values indicate that besides historical resistance to the same pathogen–antibiotic combination as the outcome, complex relationships between resistance in different pathogens to the same antibiotic/antibiotic class and usage are exploited for predictions. These are generally among the top ten features ranked according to their mean absolute SHAP values. Conclusions Year-to-year resistance has generally changed little within Trust–pathogen–antibiotic combinations. In those with larger changes, XGBoost models can improve predictions, enabling informed decisions, efficient resource allocation, and targeted interventions.

Abstract Animal guts contain numerous microbes, which are critical for nutrient assimilation and pathogen defence. While corals and other Cnidaria lack a true differentiated gut, they possess semi-enclosed gastrovascular cavities (GVCs), where vital processes such as digestion, reproduction and symbiotic exchanges take place. The microbiome harboured in GVCs is therefore likely key to holobiont fitness, but remains severely understudied due to challenges of working in these small compartments. Here, we developed minimally invasive methodologies to sample the GVC of coral polyps and characterise the microbial communities harboured within. We used glass capillaries, low dead volume microneedles, or nylon microswabs to sample the gastrovascular microbiome of individual polyps from six species of corals, then applied low-input DNA extraction to characterise the microbial communities from these microliter volume samples. Microsensor measurements of GVCs revealed anoxic or hypoxic micro-niches, which persist even under prolonged illumination with saturating irradiance. These niches harboured microbial communities enriched in putatively microaerophilic or facultatively anaerobic taxa, such as Epsilonproteobacteria. Some core taxa found in the GVC of Lobophyllia hemprichii from the Great Barrier Reef were also detected in conspecific colonies held in aquaria, indicating that these associations are unlikely to be transient. Our findings suggest that the coral GVC is chemically and microbiologically similar to the gut of higher Metazoa. Given the importance of gut microbiomes in mediating animal health, harnessing the coral “gut microbiome” may foster novel active interventions aimed at increasing the resilience of coral reefs to the climate crisis.

Background and Purpose The management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains uncertain, particularly in comparing the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus IVT alone. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy in DMVO patients treated with either MT-IVT or IVT alone. Methods This multinational study analyzed data from 37 centers across North America, Asia, and Europe. Patients with AIS due to DMVO were included, with data collected from September 2017 to July 2023. The primary outcome was functional independence, with secondary outcomes including mortality and safety measures such as types of intracerebral hemorrhage. Results The study involved 1,057 patients before matching, and 640 patients post-matching. Functional outcomes at 90 days showed no significant difference between groups in achieving good functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale 0–1 and 0–2), with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 to 1.79; P=0.35) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.51; P>0.99), respectively. Mortality rates at 90 days were similar between the two groups (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.29; P=0.30). The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was comparable, but any type of intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in the MT-IVT group (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.63; P

Abstract Organismal phenotyping to identify fitness traits is transforming our understanding of adaptive responses and ecological interactions of species within changing environments. Here we present a portable Multi-Taxa Phenotyping (MTP) system that can retrieve a suite of metabolic and photophysiological parameter across light, temperature, and/or chemical gradients, using real time bio-optical (oxygen and chlorophyll a fluorescence) measurements. The MTP system integrates three well-established technologies for the first time: an imaging Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) chlorophyll a fluorometer, custom-designed well plates equipped with optical oxygen sensors, and a thermocycler. We demonstrate the ability of the MTP system to distinguish phenotypic performance characteristics of diverse aquatic taxa spanning corals, mangroves and algae based on metabolic parameters and Photosystem II dynamics, in a high-throughput capacity and accounting for interactions of different environmental gradients on performance. Extracted metrics from the MTP system can not only provide information on the performance of aquatic taxa exposed to differing environmental gradients, but also provide predicted phenotypic responses of key aquatic organisms to environmental change. Further work validating how rapid phenotyping tools such as the MTP system predict phenotypic responses to long term environmental changes in situ are urgently required to best inform how these tools can support management efforts.

Abstract Background The burgeoning field of regenerative medicine has significantly advanced with recent findings on biotherapies using human platelet lysates (HPLs), derived from clinical-grade platelet concentrates (PCs), for treating brain disorders. These developments have opened new translational research avenues to explore the neuroprotective effects of platelet-extracellular vesicles (PEVs). Their potential in managing neurodegenerative conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) warrants further exploration. We aimed here to characterize the composition of a PEV preparation isolated from platelet concentrate (PC) supernatant, and determine its neuroprotective potential and neurorestorative effects in cellular and animal models of TBI and PD. Methods We isolated PEVs from the supernatant of clinical-grade PC collected from healthy blood donors utilizing high-speed centrifugation. PEVs were characterized by biophysical, biochemical, microscopic, and LC–MS/MS proteomics methods to unveil biological functions. Their functionality was assessed in vitro using SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, LUHMES dopaminergic neurons, and BV-2 microglial cells, and in vivo by intranasal administration in a controlled cortical impact (CCI)-TBI model using 8-weeks-old male C57/BL6 mice, and in a PD model induced by MPTP in 5-month-old male C57/BL6 mice. Results PEVs varied in size from 50 to 350 nm, predominantly around 200 nm, with concentrations ranging between 1010 and 1011/mL. They expressed specific platelet membrane markers, exhibited a lipid bilayer by cryo-electron microscopy and, importantly, showed low expression of pro-coagulant phosphatidylserine. LC–MS/MS indicated a rich composition of trophic factors, including neurotrophins, anti-inflammatory agents, neurotransmitters, and antioxidants, unveiling their multifaceted biological functions. PEVs aided in the restoration of neuronal functions in SH-SY5Y cells and demonstrated remarkable neuroprotective capabilities against erastin-induced ferroptosis in dopaminergic neurons. In microglial cells, they promoted anti-inflammatory responses, particularly under inflammatory conditions. In vivo, intranasally delivered PEVs showed strong anti-inflammatory effects in a TBI mouse model and conserved tyrosine hydroxylase expression of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra in a PD model, leading to improved motor function. Conclusions The potential of PEV-based therapies in neuroprotection opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders. The study advocates for clinical trials to establish the efficacy of PEV-based biotherapies in neuroregenerative medicine. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Glaucoma is a sight threatening neurodegenerative condition of the optic nerve head associated with ageing and marked by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in the most prevalent type of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). All previous mitochondrial genome sequencing studies in POAG analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes and have not evaluated cells derived from ocular tissue, which better represent the glaucomatous disease context. In this study, we evaluated mitochondrial genome variation and heteroplasmy using massively parallel sequencing of mtDNA in a cohort of patients with POAG, and in a subset assess the role of somatic mitochondrial genome mutations in disease pathogenesis using paired samples of peripheral blood leukocytes and ocular tissue (Tenon’s ocular fibroblasts). An enrichment of potentially pathogenic nonsynonymous mtDNA variants was identified in Tenon’s ocular fibroblasts from participants with POAG. The absence of oxidative DNA damage and predominance of transition variants support the concept that errors in mtDNA replication represent the predominant mutation mechanism in Tenon’s ocular fibroblasts from patients with POAG. Pathogenic somatic mitochondrial genome mutations were observed in people with POAG. This supports the role of somatic mitochondrial genome variants in the etiology of glaucoma.

Guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) have been well studied and defined in adults, however, this remains less defined for adolescents and young men. There are a variety of conditions in adolescents and young men that necessitate TRT. These conditions range from genetic etiologies such as Kallmann syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome, to acquired causes such as testicular trauma. Conditions can be broadly classified as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, depending on whether there are concurrently elevated gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)). The decision to initiate TRT in these cases is multifaceted, contributing to the challenge of formulating clear guidelines. In this review, we utilized online sources such as PubMed and Google Scholar to find relevant literature, using key words such as testosterone therapy, adolescents and hormone replacement and hypogonadism in adolescents. This narrative review explores existing literature on TRT in adolescents and young men, encompassing common etiologies of hypogonadism in this population, available TRT therapies, and management and surveillance protocols. Furthermore, it addresses the evolving field of TRT in transgender youth. This study underscores the necessity for additional clinical investigations to explore emerging TRT therapies and establish clear surveillance guidelines tailored to this population.

Abstract Background Since 2015, malaria vector control on Bioko Island has relied heavily upon long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) to complement other interventions. Despite significant resources utilised, however, achieving and maintaining high coverage has been elusive. Here, core LLIN indicators were used to assess and redefine distribution strategies. Methods LLIN indicators were estimated for Bioko Island between 2015 and 2022 using a 1x1 km grid of areas. The way these indicators interacted was used to critically assess coverage targets. Particular attention was paid to spatial heterogeneity and to differences between urban Malabo, the capital, and the rural periphery. Results LLIN coverage according to all indicators varied substantially across areas, decreased significantly soon after mass distribution campaigns (MDC) and, with few exceptions, remained consistently below the recommended target. Use was strongly correlated with population access, particularly in Malabo. After a change in strategy in Malabo from MDC to fixed distribution points, use-to-access showed significant improvement, indicating those who obtained their nets from these sources were more likely to keep them and use them. Moreover, their use rates were significantly higher than those of whom sourced their nets elsewhere. Conclusions Striking a better balance between LLIN distribution efficiency and coverage represents a major challenge as LLIN retention and use rates remain low despite high access resulting from MDC. The cost-benefit of fixed distribution points in Malabo revealed significant advantages, offering a viable alternative for ensuring access to LLINs to those who use them.

Abstract Social prescribing has become a global phenomenon. A Delphi study was recently conducted with 48 social prescribing experts from 26 countries to establish global agreement on the definition of social prescribing. We reflect on the use and utility of the outputs of this work, and where we go from here.

Abstract Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify genetic variants underlying complex traits but are limited by stringent genome-wide significance thresholds. We present GRIN (Gene set Refinement through Interacting Networks), which increases confidence in the expanded gene set by retaining genes strongly connected by biological networks when GWAS thresholds are relaxed. GRIN was validated on both simulated interrelated gene sets as well as multiple GWAS traits. From multiple GWAS summary statistics of suicide attempt, a complex phenotype, GRIN identified additional genes that replicated across independent cohorts and retained biologically interrelated genes despite a relaxed significance threshold. We present a conceptual model of how these retained genes interact through neurobiological pathways that may influence suicidal behavior, and identify existing drugs associated with these pathways that would not have been identified under traditional GWAS thresholds. We demonstrate GRIN’s utility in boosting GWAS results by increasing the number of true positive genes identified from GWAS results.

Background/Objectives: The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) is a 6-month, home-based intervention aimed at enhancing mental health in men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment. This exploratory secondary analysis evaluates PC-PEP’s impact on relationship satisfaction, quality of life, and support group attendance among partnered participants. Methods: In a crossover randomized clinical trial ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03660085) of 128 men aged 50–82 scheduled for curative prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy, 119 participants in relationships were included. Of these, 59 received the 6-month PC-PEP intervention, while 60 were randomized to a waitlist-control arm, receiving standard care for 6 months before starting PC-PEP. The intervention included daily emails with video instructions on mental and physical health, diet, social support, fitness, stress reduction, and intimacy. Outcomes were assessed using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Prostate (FACT-P). Results: While relationship satisfaction remained stable, a significant improvement in emotional well-being was observed at 12 months in participants undergoing radiation therapy (p = 0.045). The PC-PEP intervention also led to significantly higher support group attendance at both 6 months (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.003), emphasizing its role in fostering social support and community engagement. Conclusions: The PC-PEP program effectively maintains relationship satisfaction and enhances emotional well-being, particularly in patients with fewer physical side effects. Its design promotes comprehensive care by integrating physical, psychological, and social support, making it a valuable resource for improving the quality of life in prostate cancer patients and potentially applicable to other cancer types.

Abstract The proteasome plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis by degrading misfolded, damaged, or unnecessary proteins. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of proteasome activity is vital, particularly the interaction with activators containing the hydrophobic-tyrosine-any amino acid (HbYX) motif. Here, we present ProEnd, a comprehensive database designed to identify and catalog HbYX motif-containing proteins across the tree of life. Using a simple bioinformatics pipeline, we analyzed approximately 73 million proteins from 22,000 reference proteomes in the UniProt/SwissProt database. Our findings reveal the widespread presence of HbYX motifs in diverse organisms, highlighting their evolutionary conservation and functional significance. Notably, we observed an interesting prevalence of these motifs in viral proteomes, suggesting strategic interactions with the host proteasome. As validation two novel HbYX proteins found in this database were experimentally tested by pulldowns, confirming that they directly interact with the proteasome, with one of them directly activating it. ProEnd’s extensive dataset and user-friendly interface enable researchers to explore the potential proteasomal regulator landscape, generating new hypotheses to advance proteasome biology. This resource is set to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, enhancing our approach to treating diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

Abstract The lion (Panthera leo) was extirpated from the Cape region of South Africa during the mid-nineteenth century. Whilst historically classified as a distinct subspecies known as the Cape lion (P. l. melanochaita), recent molecular studies challenge the distinctiveness of this population, suggesting that it represents the southernmost population of the species' Southern Clade. The Cape lion is often cited as having a distinctive skull morphology, which has justified its subspecific classification, but only a limited number of specimens have been available for examination, so that the Cape lion’s skull morphology has not been satisfactorily understood. In this study we collected morphometric data from a greatly enlarged sample of 22 Cape lion skulls, including 12 adults, constituting the largest sample size analysed for this possible subspecies. The results suggest that (1) morphological characteristics of the skull previously thought to distinguish the Cape lion are not diagnostic, and (2) nor is the skull morphology of male and female Cape lions distinct from that of males and females of other southern African lions. Our results independently support those based on molecular investigations, which suggest that the Cape lion was not distinct from other lions within the Southern Clade.

Abstract Monocytes directly contribute to atherosclerosis development by their recruitment to plaques in which they differentiate into macrophages. In the present study, we ask how modulating monocyte glucose metabolism could affect their homeostasis and their impact on atherosclerosis. Here we investigate how circulating metabolites control monocyte behavior in blood, bone marrow and peripheral tissues of mice. We find that serum glucose concentrations correlate with monocyte numbers. In diet-restricted mice, monocytes fail to metabolically reprogram from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation, leading to reduced monocyte numbers in the blood. Mechanistically, Glut1-dependent glucose metabolism helps maintain CD115 membrane expression on monocytes and their progenitors, and regulates monocyte migratory capacity by modulating CCR2 expression. Results from genetic models and pharmacological inhibitors further depict the relative contribution of different metabolic pathways to the regulation of CD115 and CCR2 expression. Meanwhile, Glut1 inhibition does not impact atherosclerotic plaque development in mouse models despite dramatically reducing blood monocyte numbers, potentially due to the remaining monocytes having increased migratory capacity. Together, these data emphasize the role of glucose uptake and intracellular glucose metabolism in controlling monocyte homeostasis and functions.

Abstract Clinical prediction models (CPMs) are tools that compute the risk of an outcome given a set of patient characteristics and are routinely used to inform patients, guide treatment decision-making, and resource allocation. Although much hope has been placed on CPMs to mitigate human biases, CPMs may potentially contribute to racial disparities in decision-making and resource allocation. While some policymakers, professional organizations, and scholars have called for eliminating race as a variable from CPMs, others raise concerns that excluding race may exacerbate healthcare disparities and this controversy remains unresolved. The Guidance for Unbiased predictive Information for healthcare Decision-making and Equity (GUIDE) provides expert guidelines for model developers and health system administrators on the transparent use of race in CPMs and mitigation of algorithmic bias across contexts developed through a 5-round, modified Delphi process from a diverse 14-person technical expert panel (TEP). Deliberations affirmed that race is a social construct and that the goals of prediction are distinct from those of causal inference, and emphasized: the importance of decisional context (e.g., shared decision-making versus healthcare rationing); the conflicting nature of different anti-discrimination principles (e.g., anticlassification versus antisubordination principles); and the importance of identifying and balancing trade-offs in achieving equity-related goals with race-aware versus race-unaware CPMs for conditions where racial identity is prognostically informative. The GUIDE, comprising 31 key items in the development and use of CPMs in healthcare, outlines foundational principles, distinguishes between bias and fairness, and offers guidance for examining subgroup invalidity and using race as a variable in CPMs. This GUIDE presents a living document that supports appraisal and reporting of bias in CPMs to support best practice in CPM development and use.

Immunotherapy has achieved tremendous success in melanoma. However, only around 50% of advanced melanoma patients benefit from immunotherapy. Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), encoding the two tumor‐suppressor proteins p14ARF and p16INK4a, belongs to the most frequently inactivated gene loci in melanoma and leads to decreased T cell infiltration. While the role of p16INK4a has been extensively investigated, knowledge about p14ARF in melanoma is scarce. In this study, we elucidate the impact of reduced p14ARF expression on melanoma immunogenicity. Knockdown of p14ARF in melanoma cell lines diminished their recognition and killing by melanoma differentiation antigen (MDA)‐specific T cells. Resistance was caused by a reduction of the peptide surface density of presented MDAs. Immunopeptidomic analyses revealed that antigen presentation via human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA‐I) molecules was enhanced upon p14ARF downregulation in general, but absolute and relative expression of cognate peptides was decreased. However, this phenotype is associated with a favorable outcome for melanoma patients. Limiting Wnt5a signaling reverted this phenotype, suggesting an involvement of non‐canonical Wnt signaling. Taken together, our data indicate a new mechanism limiting MDA‐specific T cell responses by decreasing both absolute and relative MDA‐peptide presentation in melanoma.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the evidence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cells therapy (SCT) and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of Peyronies disease (PD), including information from the main urological society guidelines. Materials and Methods: A literature review of PubMed articles published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted, utilizing keywords such as "Peyronie's Disease", "Penile curvature", "Platelet Rich Plasma", "Stem cells", and "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy". Only full-text articles in English were included, excluding case reports and opinions. Results: A considerable number of clinical trials were conducted using PRP penile injections for therapy of PD, showing reduction of curvature, plaque size and improvement in quality of life. Preclinical studies in rats have shown the potential benefit of adipose-derived stem cells, with improvements in erectile function and fibrosis. Human studies with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated promising results, with reduction of curvature and plaque size. ESWL effects on PD were investigated in randomized clinical trials and demonstrated no significant impact in curvature or plaque size, but reasonable effect on pain control. Conclusion: Restorative therapies has emerged as an innovative treatment option for PD and the results from current studies appear to be promising and demonstrated good safety profile. Unfortunately, due to scarce evidence, PRP and SCT are still considered experimental by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. ESWT is recommended, by the same guidelines, for pain control only. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up outcomes are needed to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of those therapies.

Abstract Climate change is currently one of humanity’s greatest threats. To help scholars understand the psychology of climate change, we conducted an online quasi-experimental survey on 59,508 participants from 63 countries (collected between July 2022 and July 2023). In a between-subjects design, we tested 11 interventions designed to promote climate change mitigation across four outcomes: climate change belief, support for climate policies, willingness to share information on social media, and performance on an effortful pro-environmental behavioural task. Participants also reported their demographic information (e.g., age, gender) and several other independent variables (e.g., political orientation, perceptions about the scientific consensus). In the no-intervention control group, we also measured important additional variables, such as environmentalist identity and trust in climate science. We report the collaboration procedure, study design, raw and cleaned data, all survey materials, relevant analysis scripts, and data visualisations. This dataset can be used to further the understanding of psychological, demographic, and national-level factors related to individual-level climate action and how these differ across countries.

We identified a novel human circovirus in an immunocompromised 66-year-old woman with sudden onset of self-limiting hepatitis. We detected human circovirus 1 (HCirV-1) transcripts in hepatocytes and the HCirV-1 genome long-term in the patient’s blood, stool, and urine. HCirV-1 is an emerging human pathogen that persists in susceptible patients.

Abstract Background and Objective Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a common blood cancer marked by heterogeneity in disease and diverse genetic abnormalities. Additional therapies are needed as the 5-year survival remains below 30%. Trametinib is a mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor that is widely used in solid tumors and also in tumors with activating RAS mutations. A subset of patients with AML carry activating RAS mutations; however, a small-scale clinical trial with trametinib showed little efficacy. Here, we sought to identify transcriptomic determinants of trametinib sensitivity in AML. Methods We tested the activity of trametinib against a panel of tumor cells from patients with AML ex vivo and compared this with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from untreated blasts from the same patient samples. We then used a correlation analysis between gene expression and trametinib sensitivity to identify potential biomarkers predictive of drug response. Results We found that a subset of AML tumor cells were sensitive to trametinib ex vivo, only a fraction of which (3/10) carried RAS mutations. On the basis of our RNA-Seq analysis we found that markers of trametinib sensitivity are associated with a myeloid differentiation profile that includes high expression of CD14 and CLEC7A (Dectin-1), similar to the gene expression profile of monocytes. Further characterization confirmed that trametinib-sensitive samples display features of monocytic differentiation with high CD14 surface expression and were enriched for the M4 subtypes of the FAB classification. Conclusions Our study identifies additional molecular markers that can be used with molecular features including RAS status to identify patients with AML that may benefit from trametinib treatment.

Abstract Background Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) has evolved as a pivotal element in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), significantly influencing procedural efficacy and safety. This mini-narrative review explores ELCA's applications, focusing on its efficacy and clinical outcomes. Body A search of major databases identified studies from ELCA's inception. Inclusion criteria encompassed diverse study designs exploring ELCA in coronary interventions, with rigorous data extraction ensuring accuracy and completeness. A narrative synthesis presented key findings across studies. ELCA demonstrated promising outcomes compared to traditional PCI and stent placement. Reduced reperfusion time, enhanced microcirculation, and lower postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates highlighted its efficacy. Improved vascular and lumen dynamics, plaque modification, and successful treatment of complex lesions showcased its versatility. Quality of life enhancements positively impacted long-term recovery, particularly in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. ELCA's success in challenging scenarios and its role in refining in-stent restenosis (ISR) treatment indicated broader applications. Despite limitations in some studies, ELCA presented a favorable safety profile. Conclusion The review underscores ELCA's dynamic role in coronary interventions, offering a promising tool for enhancing procedural outcomes. Clinical implications include improved reperfusion, adaptability in complex lesions, and potential long-term benefits for ACS patients. While integration into routine practice requires careful consideration, ELCA's positive outcomes encourage further exploration and innovation in interventional cardiology.

Abstract Introduction Uncontrolled non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment (NIU-PS) can lead to vision loss due to repeated bouts of inflammation and consequent tissue damage. Patients with chronic NIU-PS who experience recurrent uveitis after being treated with systemic and short-acting local corticosteroids may benefit from the sustained-release 0.18-mg fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAi). Methods In this case series, 18 eyes with chronic, recurrent NIU-PS and cystoid macular edema (CME) treated with the 0.18-mg FAi were analyzed retrospectively. Data on patient demographics, clinical history, previous and concomitant treatments for uveitis recurrence, time to and number of uveitis recurrences, intraocular pressure (IOP), central subfield thickness (CST), and visual acuity (VA) were collected and summarized. Results A majority of patients (14/15 [93%]) had a history of ocular surgery, largely cataract extraction, and all developed chronic and recurrent NIU-PS and CME. At baseline, patients had a mean age of 72 years (range: 46 to 93), were 53% male, and had a mean duration of NIU-PS of 3 years (range: 1 to 19). Patients were followed for an average of 16.5 months (range: 2 to 42.5 months) post FAi. Eleven of the 18 eyes (61%) had ≥ 5 recurrences of uveitis since diagnosis, with an average time to recurrence of approximately 12 weeks (range: 1 to 27). All eyes treated with the 0.18-mg FAi showed reduced NIU-PS recurrence and visual and anatomical improvement, as measured by VA and CST, respectively. Two eyes had an IOP elevation that was managed with topical therapy, and one eye was treated with topical prednisolone for additional inflammation management. Two eyes required adjunct therapy with short-acting intravitreal corticosteroids at 7 and 16 weeks for NIU-PS recurrence after 0.18-mg FAi insertion. Conclusion After receiving the 0.18-mg FAi, eyes with uncontrolled NIU-PS had sustained resolution of CME and inflammation with limited need for supplementary steroid drops or injections and minimal steroid class-specific adverse effects; none required incisional IOP-lowering surgery.

It is likely that the burden of breathlessness in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is much higher than has been estimated using calculations of disease burden and expected prevalence of the symptom. However, most breathlessness research has been conducted in high-income countries and may not be relevant to LMICs. To address this issue, we convened an international breathlessness and global health workshop. Our multidisciplinary team of experts (global palliative care, respiratory medicine, epidemiology, palliative medicine, psychiatry, sport science, global public health and health economics) met at the University of Hull for a two-day workshop in May 2024. We had 8 presentations on key issues relevant to global breathlessness research. Our discussions focussed on unexplored questions and links between breathlessness and other health and social issues, in order to develop an agenda for global breathlessness research. Our discussions highlighted (1) the global burden of breathlessness generated by a range of lifestyle, environmental, disease and poverty-related factors, (2) the need for a global healthcare workforce that can address modifiable causes and the symptoms of breathlessness together using an integrated approach, (3) the value of information over clinical effectiveness when considering implementation of breathlessness self-management interventions, (4) Addressing non-clinical outcomes which are meaningful to individuals and families and (5) Developing a language for global breathlessness research which does not assume that the cause of breathlessness is diagnosed or treated. We present our discussions and recommendations for new approaches and paradigms for global breathlessness research to generate discussion—not to provide empirical evidence.

Abstract Background Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Somatic mutations, including large structural variants, are important biomarkers in lung cancer for selecting targeted therapy. Genomic studies in lung cancer have been conducted using short-read sequencing. Emerging long-read sequencing technologies are a promising alternative to study somatic structural variants, however there is no current consensus on how to process data and call somatic events. In this study, we preformed whole genome sequencing of lung cancer and matched non-tumour samples using long and short read sequencing to comprehensively benchmark three sequence aligners and seven structural variant callers comprised of generic callers (SVIM, Sniffles2, DELLY in generic mode and cuteSV) and somatic callers (Severus, SAVANA, nanomonsv and DELLY in somatic modes). Results Different combinations of aligners and variant callers influenced somatic structural variant detection. The choice of caller had a significant influence on somatic structural variant detection in terms of variant type, size, sensitivity, and accuracy. The performance of each variant caller was assessed by comparing to somatic structural variants identified by short-read sequencing. When compared to somatic structural variants detected with short-read sequencing, more events were detected with long-read sequencing. The mean recall of somatic variant events identified by long-read sequencing was higher for the somatic callers (72%) than generic callers (53%). Among the somatic callers when using the minimap2 aligner, SAVANA and Severus achieved the highest recall at 79.5% and 79.25% respectively, followed by nanomonsv with a recall of 72.5%. Conclusion Long-read sequencing can identify somatic structural variants in clincal samples. The longer reads have the potential to improve our understanding of cancer development and inform personalized cancer treatment.

Abstract Candida auris is a globally emerged fungal pathogen causing nosocomial invasive infections. Here, we use cutting-edge genomic approaches to elucidate the temporal and geographic epidemiology of drug-resistant C. auris within the UK. We analysed a representative sample of over 200 isolates from multiple UK hospitals to assess the number and timings of C. auris introductions and infer subsequent patterns of inter- and intra-hospital transmission of azole drug-resistant isolates. We identify at least one introduction from Clade I and two from Clade III into the UK, and observe temporal and geographical evidence for multiple transmission events of antifungal drug resistant isolates between hospitals and identified local within-hospital patient-to-patient transmission events. Our study confirms outbreaks of drug-resistant C. auris are linked and that transmission amongst patients occurs, explaining local hospital outbreaks, and demonstrating a need for improved epidemiological surveillance of C. auris to protect patients and healthcare services.

Abstract Cryptic fungal pathogens pose disease management challenges due to their morphological resemblance to known pathogens. Here, we investigated the genomes and phenotypes of 53 globally distributed isolates of Aspergillus section Nidulantes fungi and found 30 clinical isolates—including four isolated from COVID-19 patients—were A. latus, a cryptic pathogen that originated via allodiploid hybridization. Notably, all A. latus isolates were misidentified. A. latus hybrids likely originated via a single hybridization event during the Miocene and harbor substantial genetic diversity. Transcriptome profiling of a clinical isolate revealed that both parental subgenomes are actively expressed and respond to environmental stimuli. Characterizing infection-relevant traits—such as drug resistance and growth under oxidative stress—revealed distinct phenotypic profiles among A. latus hybrids compared to parental and closely related species. Moreover, we identified four features that could aid A. latus taxonomic identification. Together, these findings deepen our understanding of the origin of cryptic pathogens.

Abstract This single-arm phase II non-randomised trial (ACTRN12619001265167) evaluated trastuzumab emtansine in solid cancers with HER2 amplification or mutation detected by comprehensive genomic profiling. The primary objective was objective response (OR), while secondary objectives included the time to progression (TTP) on study to TTP on prior therapy ratio, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The cohort included 16 tumours with HER2 mutations (group 1) and 16 with HER2 amplification (group 2). After 17 months median follow-up, ORs occurred in 19% of group 1 (1 salivary gland carcinoma (SGC), 2 lung cancers) and 25% of group 2 (3 SGCs, 1 uterine carcinoma). Fourteen of 29 TTP-evaluable patients achieved a TTP ratio ≥1.3, including 10 without an OR. Median PFS and OS were 4.5 (95% CI 2.1–7.0) and 18.2 months (95% CI 8.1-not reached) respectively. Trastuzumab emtansine showed modest ORs and a favourable change in disease trajectory in select HER2-altered solid cancers.

Abstract Background Understanding the aetiological organisms causing maternal infections is crucial to inform antibiotic treatment guidelines, but such data are scarce from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to address this gap. Methods Microbiologically confirmed maternal infection data were collected from PubMed, Embase, and African Journals online databases. The search strategy combined terms related to bacterial infection, pregnancy, postnatal period, observational studies, SSA. Exclusion criteria included colonization, asymptomatic infection, and screening studies. Pooled proportions for bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were calculated. Quality and completeness of reporting were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa and STROBE checklists. Findings We included 14 papers comprising data from 2,575 women from four sources (blood, urine, surgical wound and endocervical). Mixed-growth was commonly reported at 17% (95% CI: 12%-23%), E. coli from 11%(CI:10%-12%), S. aureus from 5%(CI: 5%-6%), Klebsiella spp. at 5%(CI: 4%- 5%) and Streptococcus spp. at 2%(CI: 1%-2%). We observed intra-sample and inter-sample heterogeneity between 88–92% in all meta-analyses. AMR rates were between 19% -77%, the highest with first-line beta-lactam antibiotics. Convenience sampling, and limited reporting of laboratory techniques were areas of concern. Interpretation We provide a comprehensive summary of microbial aetiology of maternal infections in SSA and demonstrate the paucity of data available for this region. We flag the need to review the current local and international empirical treatment guidelines for maternal bacterial infections in SSA because there is high prevalence of AMR among common causative bacteria. Funding This research was supported by the NIHR-Professorship/NIHR300808 and the Wellcome-Strategic-award /206545/Z/17/Z. Trial registration Prospero ID CRD42021238515.

Abstract A key player in energy metabolism is phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1) whose activity and behavior strongly influence glycolysis and thus have implications in many areas. In this research, PFK1 assays were performed to convert F6P and ATP into F-1,6-P and ADP for varied pH and ATP concentrations. PFK1 activity was assessed by evaluating F-1,6-P generation velocity in two ways: (1) directly calculating the time slope from the first two or more datapoints of measured product concentration (the initial-velocity method), and (2) by fitting all the datapoints with a differential equation explicitly representing the effects of ATP and pH (the modeling method). Similar general trends of inhibition were shown by both methods, but the former gives only a qualitative picture while the modeling method yields the degree of inhibition because the model can separate the two simultaneous roles of ATP as both a substrate of reaction and an inhibitor of PFK1. Analysis based on the model suggests that the ATP affinity is much greater to the PFK1 catalytic site than to the inhibitory site, but the inhibited ATP-PFK1-ATP complex is much slower than the uninhibited PFK1-ATP complex in product generation, leading to reduced overall reaction velocity when ATP concentration increases. The initial-velocity method is simple and useful for general observation of enzyme activity while the modeling method has advantages in quantifying the inhibition effects and providing insights into the process.

Abstract By 2050, 1 in 4 people worldwide will be living with hearing impairment. We propose a digital Speech Hearing Screener (dSHS) using short nonsense word recognition to measure speech-hearing ability. The importance of hearing screening is increasing due to the anticipated increase in individuals with hearing impairment globally. We compare dSHS outcomes with standardized pure-tone averages (PTA) and speech-recognition thresholds (SRT). Fifty participants (aged 55 or older underwent pure-tone and speech-recognition thresholding. One-way ANOVA was used to compare differences between hearing impaired and hearing not-impaired groups, by the dSHS, with a clinical threshold of moderately impaired hearing at 35 dB and severe hearing impairment at 50 dB. dSHS results significantly correlated with PTAs/SRTs. ANOVA results revealed the dSHS was significantly different (F(1,47) = 38.1, p

Abstract Background Adiposity shows opposing associations with mortality within COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 respiratory conditions. We assessed the likely causality of adiposity for mortality among intensive care patients with COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 by examining the consistency of associations across temporal and geographical contexts where biases vary. Methods We used data from 297 intensive care units (ICUs) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme). We examined associations of body mass index (BMI) with 30-day mortality, overall and by date and region of ICU admission, among patients admitted with COVID-19 (N = 34,701; February 2020–August 2021) and non-COVID-19 respiratory conditions (N = 25,205; February 2018–August 2019). Results Compared with non-COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 patients were younger, less often of a white ethnic group, and more often with extreme obesity. COVID-19 patients had fewer comorbidities but higher mortality. Socio-demographic and comorbidity factors and their associations with BMI and mortality varied more by date than region of ICU admission. Among COVID-19 patients, higher BMI was associated with excess mortality (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD) = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.03–1.07). This was evident only for extreme obesity and only during February–April 2020 (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.30–1.77 vs. recommended weight); this weakened thereafter. Among non-COVID-19 patients, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality (HR per SD = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.81–0.86), seen across all overweight/obesity groups and across dates and regions, albeit with a magnitude that varied over time. Conclusions Obesity is associated with higher mortality among COVID-19 patients, but lower mortality among non-COVID-19 respiratory patients. These associations appear vulnerable to confounding/selection bias in both patient groups, questioning the existence or stability of causal effects.

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic psychiatric disease of multifactorial etiology, and its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Stress and other chronic inflammatory pathologies are shared risk factors for psychiatric diseases, and comorbidities are features of major depression. Epidemiological evidence suggests that periodontitis, as a source of low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, may be associated with depression, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Methods Periodontitis (P) was induced in Wistar: Han rats through oral gavage with the pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 12 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) to induce depressive-like behavior. The following four groups were established (n = 12 rats/group): periodontitis and CMS (P + CMS+), periodontitis without CMS, CMS without periodontitis, and control. The morphology and inflammatory phenotype of microglia in the frontal cortex (FC) were studied using immunofluorescence and bioinformatics tools. The endocannabinoid (EC) signaling and proteins related to synaptic plasticity were analyzed in FC samples using biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Results Ultrastructural and fractal analyses of FC revealed a significant increase in the complexity and heterogeneity of Iba1 + parenchymal microglia in the combined experimental model (P + CMS+) and increased expression of the proinflammatory marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while there were no changes in the expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). In the FC protein extracts of the P + CMS + animals, there was a decrease in the levels of the EC metabolic enzymes N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) compared to those in the controls, which extended to protein expression in neurons and in FC extracts of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and to the intracellular signaling molecules phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). The protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin were also lower in P + CMS + animals than in controls. Conclusions The combined effects on microglial morphology and inflammatory phenotype, the EC signaling, and proteins related to synaptic plasticity in P + CMS + animals may represent relevant mechanisms explaining the association between periodontitis and depression. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets that warrant further investigation. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is increasingly being used as a complementary tool to DNA sequencing in diagnostics where DNA analysis has been uninformative. RNA-seq enables the identification of aberrant splicing and aberrant gene expression, improving the interpretation of variants of unknown significance (VUSs), and provides the opportunity to scan the transcriptome for aberrant splicing and expression in relevant genes that may be the cause of a patient’s phenotype. This work aims to investigate the feasibility of generating new diagnostic candidates in patients without a previously reported VUS using an RNA-seq-centric approach. Methods We systematically assessed the transcriptomic profiles of 86 patients with suspected Mendelian disorders, 38 of whom had no candidate sequence variant, using RNA from blood samples. Each VUS was visually inspected to search for splicing abnormalities. Once aberrant splicing was identified in cases with VUS, multiple open-source alternative splicing tools were used to investigate if they would identify what was observed in IGV. Expression outliers were detected using OUTRIDER. Diagnoses in cases without a VUS were explored using two separate strategies. Results RNA-seq allowed us to assess 71% of VUSs, detecting aberrant splicing in 14/48 patients with a VUS. We identified four new diagnoses by detecting novel aberrant splicing events in patients with no candidate sequence variants from prior DNA testing (n = 32) or where the candidate VUS did not affect splicing (n = 23). An additional diagnosis was made through the detection of skewed X-inactivation. Conclusion This work demonstrates the utility of an RNA-centric approach in identifying novel diagnoses in patients without candidate VUSs. It underscores the utility of blood-based RNA analysis in improving diagnostic yields and highlights optimal approaches for such analyses.

Abstract Environmental factors shape subsurface microbial ecosystems, and well-characterized sites are ideal for determining how environmental parameters shape sediment communities. Sediments from eight geologically and thermally distinct sites were drilled during International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 385 in Guaymas Basin, an expedition focused on the hydrothermal deep biosphere. Using high-throughput 16S ribosomal nucleic acid sequencing, cell counts, phylogenetics, metatranscriptomics, and mineralogical/elemental X-ray spectroscopy, we examine linkages and feedbacks between mineral composition, temperature, geochemistry, and microbial populations. We show subsurface life is dominated by heterotrophic, cosmopolitan prokaryotes that thrive within a range of sediments and temperature conditions across Guaymas Basin. Hydrothermally-affiliated lineages are detected in low numbers at sites with steepest temperature gradients, within communities of mesophilic taxa that occur throughout Guaymas Basin and in other marine subsurface habitats. Thus, hydrothermal lineages do not replace the cosmopolitan, mesophilic subsurface community, but remain specific to sites where volcanic intrusions drive hydrothermal circulation.

Abstract Paleoclimate model simulations provide reference data to help interpret the geological record and offer a unique opportunity to evaluate the performance of current models under diverse boundary conditions. Here, we present a dataset of 35 climate model simulations of the warm early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO; ~ 50 million years ago) and corresponding preindustrial reference experiments. To streamline the use of the data, we apply standardised naming conventions and quality checks across eight modelling groups that have carried out coordinated simulations as part of the Deep-Time Model Intercomparison Project (DeepMIP). Gridded model fields can be downloaded from an online repository or accessed through a new web application that provides interactive data exploration. Local model data can be extracted in CSV format or visualised online for streamlined model-data comparisons. Additionally, processing and visualisation code templates may serve as a starting point for advanced analysis. The dataset and online platform aim to simplify accessing and handling complex data, prevent common processing issues, and facilitate the sharing of climate model data across disciplines.

Abstract Background Risk scores facilitate the assessment of mortality risk in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Despite their utilities, there is a scarcity of evidence comparing the various RS simultaneously. This study aims to evaluate and compare multiple risk scores reported in the literature for predicting 30-day mortality in adult patients with CAP. Methods A retrospective cohort study on patients diagnosed with CAP was conducted across two hospitals in Colombia. The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-curves) were calculated for the outcome of survival or death at 30 days using the scores obtained for each of the analyzed questionnaires. Results A total of 7454 potentially eligible patients were included, with 4350 in the final analysis, of whom 15.2% (662/4350) died within 30 days. The average age was 65.4 years (SD: 21.31), and 59.5% (2563/4350) were male. Chronic kidney disease was 3.7% (9.2% vs. 5.5%; p

Abstract This study explored occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations. It is targeted at those responsible for fire safety management and fire safety practitioners with a contribution to prevent or mitigate the risk of injury or death arising out of a delayed evacuation at work. It seeks to define occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations, identify its antecedents and explore effective measures to mitigate or control the antecedents of occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations. Research was conducted using a survey instrument by contacting safety, health and fire safety professionals globally through convenience sampling and several international safety, health and fire safety-related institutions. This included demographics of the respondents, the confirmation of a definition of complacency, and means of dealing with complacency as defined by the questionnaire including priority strategies. The research team then sought to identify the antecedents of occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations using raw data from a previous study. This study addresses the hypothesis that if there is a clear definition of occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations and control measures are developed, tested and implemented, the risks of injury and death related to occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations could be prevented or mitigated. Analysis of survey findings clarified a number of key strategies to avoid evacuation complacency including but not limited to underscoring the importance of leadership involvement within a safety culture; training and education, awareness raising and communications to avoid occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations; evacuation drills; procedures, and the role of fire wardens. Based on information from a published report that explored individual attitudes, perceptions and experiences as well as perceived vulnerability that shape antecedents of occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations and individual behaviours when an evacuation alarm is initiated, the authors identified and filled a gap in the report, by suggesting a working definition of occupant complacency during workplace fire evacuations and control measures to prevent or mitigate this behaviour.

Abstract Analyses of mitochondrial adaptations in human skeletal muscle have mostly used whole-muscle samples, where results may be confounded by the presence of a mixture of type I and II muscle fibres. Using our adapted mass spectrometry-based proteomics workflow, we provide insights into fibre-specific mitochondrial differences in the human skeletal muscle of men before and after training. Our findings challenge previous conclusions regarding the extent of fibre-type-specific remodelling of the mitochondrial proteome and suggest that most baseline differences in mitochondrial protein abundances between fibre types reported by us, and others, might be due to differences in total mitochondrial content or a consequence of adaptations to habitual physical activity (or inactivity). Most training-induced changes in different mitochondrial functional groups, in both fibre types, were no longer significant in our study when normalised to changes in markers of mitochondrial content.

Abstract HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are recognized as distinct entities. There remains uncertainty surrounding the causal effects of smoking and alcohol on the development of these two cancer types. Here we perform multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the causal effects of smoking and alcohol on the risk of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC in 3431 cases and 3469 controls. Lifetime smoking exposure, as measured by the Comprehensive Smoking Index (CSI), is associated with increased risk of both HPV-negative HNSCC (OR = 3.03, 95%CI:1.75-5.24, P = 7.00E-05) and HPV-positive HNSCC (OR = 2.73, 95%CI:1.39-5.36, P = 0.003). Drinks Per Week is also linked with increased risk of both HPV-negative HNSCC (OR = 7.72, 95%CI:3.63-16.4, P = 1.00E-07) and HPV-positive HNSCC (OR = 2.66, 95%CI:1.06-6.68, P = 0.038). Smoking and alcohol independently increase the risk of both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC. These findings have important implications for understanding the modifying risk factors between HNSCC subtypes.

Abstract We previously described a two-component protein nanoparticle vaccine platform that displays 60 copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD (RBD-NP). The vaccine, when adjuvanted with AS03, was shown to elicit robust neutralizing antibody and CD4 T cell responses in Phase I/II clinical trials, met its primary co-endpoints in a Phase III trial, and has been licensed by multiple regulatory authorities under the brand name SKYCovioneTM. Here we characterize the biophysical properties, stability, antigenicity, and immunogenicity of RBD-NP immunogens incorporating mutations from the B.1.351 (β) and P.1 (γ) variants of concern (VOCs) that emerged in 2020. We also show that the RBD-NP platform can be adapted to the Omicron strains BA.5 and XBB.1.5. We compare β and γ variant and E484K point mutant nanoparticle immunogens to the nanoparticle displaying the Wu-1 RBD, as well as to soluble prefusion-stabilized (HexaPro) spike trimers harboring VOC-derived mutations. We find the properties of immunogens based on different SARS-CoV-2 variants can differ substantially, which could affect the viability of variant vaccine development. Introducing stabilizing mutations in the linoleic acid binding site of the RBD-NPs resulted in increased physical stability compared to versions lacking the stabilizing mutations without deleteriously affecting immunogenicity. The RBD-NP immunogens and HexaPro trimers, as well as combinations of VOC-based immunogens, elicited comparable levels of neutralizing antibodies against distinct VOCs. Our results demonstrate that RBD-NP-based vaccines can elicit neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be rapidly designed and stabilized, demonstrating the potential of two-component RBD-NPs as a platform for the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.

Abstract Psychiatric symptoms are common in neurodevelopmental movement disorders, including some types of dystonia. However, research has mainly focused on motor manifestations and underlying circuits. Myoclonus-dystonia is a rare and homogeneous neurodevelopmental condition serving as an illustrative paradigm of childhood-onset dystonias, associated with psychiatric symptoms. Here, we assessed the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with myoclonus-dystonia and healthy volunteers (HV). Using resting-state functional neuroimaging, we compared the effective connectivity within and among non-motor and motor brain networks between patients and HV. We further explored the hierarchical organization of these networks and examined the relationship between their connectivity and the depressive symptoms. Comparing 19 patients to 25 HV, we found a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders and more depressive symptoms in the patient group. Patients exhibited abnormal modulation of the cerebellum on the cerebral cortex in the sensorimotor, dorsal attention, salience, and default mode networks. Moreover, the salience network activity was directed by the cerebellum in patients and was related to depressive symptoms. Altogether, our findings highlight the role of the cerebellar drive on both motor and non-motor cortical areas in this disorder, suggesting cerebellar involvement in the complex phenotype of such neurodevelopmental movement disorders.

Introduction: Anticancer drugs with reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing mechanisms, such as vemurafenib, have been shown to be effective against various types of cancer. However, the adverse effects of increased oxidative stress have the potential to damage not only cancer cells, but also normal cells such as those in eyes and potentially leading to ocular diseases including pterygium and cataract. Presentations: A nine-year-old patient presented with bilateral nasal pterygium and early bilateral cortical cataracts, which are uncommon for his age group. Patient has a background of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) V600E positive pilocytic astrocytoma with anaplastic features, diagnosed at age 2.5 years old. Vemurafenib was commenced at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion: We suspect that these ophthalmic findings are associated with his prolonged treatment with vemurafenib which may be of a pathophysiological significance.

Locusts and grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are pests of agricultural importance, devastating crops and pastures. This group includes hundreds of pest species and affects the livelihoods of one in every ten people worldwide. Their outbreaks can be chronic or episodic, with alternating periods of invasion and recession. Here, we review the natural enemies of locusts and grasshoppers in both their native and invaded ranges across the globe to assess the need for their conservation and maintenance as part of the natural suppression of outbreaks and to augment outbreak suppression as potential biological control agents. More than 70 natural enemies have been reported to attack locusts and grasshoppers, including entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, predatory insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Particular attention is given to the well-studied species of locusts and grasshoppers for which more information is available and to natural enemies in the locust-affected countries as part of the recent trend of looking for indigenous natural enemies. Such organisms can play a vital role in integrated pest management strategies for locusts and grasshoppers, particularly entomopathogens that can be incorporated with chemical pesticides into the management system. Among the organisms considered, Metarhizium acridum is noteworthy for inclusion in integrated pest management programs.