Feeding state-dependent neuropeptidergic modulation of reciprocally interconnected inhibitory neurons biases sensorimotor decisions in Drosophila.

An animal's feeding state changes its behavioral priorities and thus influences even nonfeeding-related decisions. How the feeding state information is transmitted to nonfeeding-related circuits and what circuit mechanisms are involved in biasing nonfeeding-related decisions remain open questions. By combining calcium imaging, neuronal manipulations, behavioral analysis and computational modeling, we determined that the competition between different aversive responses to mechanical cues is biased by changes in the feeding state.

Study protocol: neonatal colonisation and infection with in very immature preterm infants born <29 weeks of gestation (NEO-CONSCIOUS) - a prospective multicentre study assessing early life colonisation rates and potentially associated adverse outcomes.

Introduction: Preterm infants, particularly those born before 29 weeks of gestation, are at increased risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other complications of prematurity. Substantial evidence suggests that respiratory tract colonisation with species significantly contributes to pulmonary inflammation, impaired lung function and subsequent lung disease especially in very immature infants. Moreover, exposure has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other inflammation-related sequelae of prematurity.

Early Free Light-Chain Suppression as a Prognostic Marker in Relapsed and Refractory Myeloma Patients Treated With BCMA-Directed CAR-T Cells.

Background: Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) remains difficult to treat despite advances in therapy. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, such as idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), have improved outcomes, yet many patients relapse within a year. Current International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria for deep response require prolonged observation.

Macular Atrophic versus Subretinal Proliferative Changes in Myopic and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The 2-Continent Eye Study.

Objective: To assess the prevalences of subfoveal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss versus subfoveal tissue proliferation as causes of vision loss in patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or myopic macular atrophy.

Design: Population-based studies conducted in Russia, China, and India and histological examination of enucleated human globes.

Participants: The Russian Ural Eye and Medical Study ( = 5899 participants; age: ≥40 years), Ural Very Old Study ( = 1526; age: 85+ years), Beijing Eye Study ( = 3468; age: ≥40 years), and Central India Eye and Medical Study ( = 4711) were conducted in rural and urban regions in Bashkortostan/Russia, Beijing/China, and Nagpur/India, respectively.

Bias toward progress-oriented leaders: People prefer progress- over maintenance-oriented leaders even when a maintenance orientation is required.

We uncover a dissociation between leadership preferences (for progress, protection, or maintenance-oriented leaders) and situational requirements (to make progress, protect, or maintain). Despite maintenance being crucial for sustaining groups' ongoing activity, we find a bias favoring progress-oriented leaders across contexts. In six preregistered experiments (Ntotal = 3,324), participants consistently preferred progress-oriented leaders even when they recognized maintenance as the primary situational need.

Azelastine Nasal Spray for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Limited pharmaceutical options exist for preexposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 beyond vaccination. Azelastine, an antihistamine nasal spray used for decades to treat allergic rhinitis, has in vitro antiviral activity against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of azelastine nasal spray for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections in healthy adults.

Can the PVQ21 Measure Schwartz's Refined Values?

Since its inception, the European Social Survey (ESS) has recognized the importance of studying human values because of their potential to contribute to our understanding of individuals and societies. All ESS rounds have included a shortened 21-item version of the Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ21) for measuring the 10 values of Schwartz's original theory and the underlying 4 higher-order dimensions. This scale has seen widespread use in value studies, not limited to those based on the ESS.

Path to parenthood for medical residents and fellows: the impact of leave policies on parent trainees at Oregon Health and Science University.

Background: Residents and fellows in graduate medical education (GME) programs across the USA often complete training during childbearing years, presenting challenges for pregnant and parenting trainees balancing work and family. Institutional policies must better support these trainees. Previous studies show supported trainees experience reduced burnout, better health, and improved patient outcomes.

A tight binding pocket in photoluminescent N^C^N cyclometalated Pt(II), Pd(II), and Ni(II) complexes.

In the frame of our research aiming to develop efficient triplet-emitting materials, we are exploring the role of the second coordination sphere in enhancing the rigidity of structures and its controlling aspect over the extents of excited state distortions. We thus synthesised three N^C^N cyclometalated complexes [M(L)Cl] (M = Pt, Pd, and Ni), where the two -positions of the pyridyl moieties in 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-benzene are benzyl substituted (Bn) forming a tight binding pocket for the metal and the Cl ancillary ligand. The molecular structures from single-crystal X-ray diffraction show a markedly distorted square planar M(II) coordination with values of around 0.

C9orf72 ALS-causing mutations lead to mislocalization and aggregation of nucleoporin Nup107 into stress granules.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder caused by motor neuron degeneration. Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene, the most common genetic cause of ALS (C9-ALS), drive toxicity through different mechanisms. These pathological changes include alterations in stress granules (SGs), ribonucleoprotein complexes formed under stress conditions.

Combining mental health and climate-smart agricultural interventions to improve food security in humanitarian settings: study protocol for the THRIVE cluster-randomized controlled trial with mothers in Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda.

Background: Climate extremes in Africa threaten the food security of war-affected refugees, who often experience mental health challenges that hinder their capacity for agricultural adaptation. Cost-effective, climate-smart farming interventions are crucial for addressing food insecurity in humanitarian contexts, yet evidence on their effectiveness is limited, and the potential benefits of integrating them with mental health interventions remain unexplored. We hypothesize that the success of agricultural interventions, especially under adversity, is influenced by mental health and psychological functioning.

Detection and natural history of HPV infection of oral cavity and tonsils - a systematic literature review.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is increasing, with HPV16 being the most prevalent type. Persistent oral HPV infections play a causal role in the pathogenesis of these cancers. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize current data on oral HPV prevalence in the general population and in people living with HIV (PLWH), possible effects of prophylactic vaccination and optimal sampling methods for the detection of HPV in the oral cavity.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Search for Scapegoats: Examining the Link Between COVID-19 Conspiracy Beliefs and Ethnic Prejudice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled numerous conspiracy theories that have reinvigorated prejudices and stereotypes toward marginalized groups. While much current research focuses on the correlates of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, the consequences of conspiracy narratives for outgroup attitudes are rarely examined. Across two studies, we investigate the relationship between COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and attitudes toward ethnic minorities.

Hemodynamic Effects of Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty With Cardioband and Their Associations With Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Transcatheter tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TTVA) with the Cardioband system is a safe and effective option for high-risk patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Hemodynamics play a crucial role in these patients. However, it remains unclear if hemodynamic changes after TTVA are linked to clinical outcomes.

Clinical management of major depressive disorder with comorbid obesity.

Obesity is one of the most prevalent somatic comorbidities in individuals with major depressive disorder and greatly affects the course and prognosis of that disorder. The bidirectional relationship between major depressive disorder and obesity often creates a feedback cycle that challenges both patients and health-care providers. Gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration and limitations in knowledge transfer hinder the effective management of this patient population.

Comparative evaluation of three F-fluorinated FAP ligands in rodent tumor models.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is almost exclusively expressed on cancer-associated stromal cells, making it a promising target for tumor imaging by positron emission tomography (PET). While Ga- or Al[F]F-labeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) have been characterized in detail, the potential advantages of FAPIs containing a covalently bound F-label remain largely unknown. The aim of the present work was to address this gap by comparing two FAPIs with a covalently bound F-label and the chelator-based radioligand Al[F]F-FAPI-42.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Investigation of Clinical Aspergillus isolates from Iran Indicates Nosocomial Transmission Events of Aspergillus flavus.

Aspergillosis is one of the most common human fungal infections. The invasive form of this infectious disease has high mortality rates. Moreover, antifungal resistance has been increasing, thereby limiting treatment options.

State of the art biology, progression, and clinical management of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL): consensus report from the Intercepting Blood Cancers Workshop Committee.

In March 2023 and 2024, a panel of international experts convened at the first and second Intercepting Blood Cancers (IBC) Workshops, with the aim of better appreciating the diagnostic challenges, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic interventions for precursor malignant hematology conditions. Here, we report a summary of the proceedings from the sessions focused on monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL)/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We highlight four main content areas: biology of MBL, clinical implications of MBL, progression of MBL and transformation from indolent CLL to aggressive disease, and opportunities for therapeutic intervention in early CLL.

Specific and redundant roles for Gli2 and Gli3 in establishing cell fate during murine hair follicle development.

Formation of skin epithelial appendages like hair follicles requires hedgehog (Hh) signal reception, its conduction through the primary cilium and activation of Gli transcription factors. How Hh signalling induces cell-type-specific responses through Gli transcription factors in hair follicle stem cells and their cilia-dependence remains unclear. Here, we use conditional mouse mutants to genetically dissect the roles of Gli2 and Gli3 transcription factors and cilia in the skin epithelium.

Global thermal tolerance compilation for freshwater invertebrates and fish.

Scientists have investigated the thermal tolerance of organisms for centuries, yet the field has not lost relevance as the environmental threats of thermal pollution and global change sharpen the need to understand the thermal vulnerability of organisms in landscapes increasingly subjected to multiple stressors. Freshwater fish and invertebrates are greatly underrepresented in recent large-scale compilations of thermal tolerance, despite the importance of freshwaters as a crucial resource and as havens for biodiversity. Therefore we compiled ThermoFresh, a thermal tolerance database for these organisms that includes literature from 1900 until the present, sourced from five languages to counteract geographic bias.

Sharp increase in Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in 2024 in Germany.

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a recognized cause of respiratory infections in children and adolescents, while it is often considered a negligible pathogen in adults outside of outbreaks. We performed a retrospective analysis from a nationwide surveillance network in Germany that collected data from 2018 to 2024.