A novel entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species, Steinernema tarimense n. sp., was isolated from soil samples collected in a Populus euphratica forest located in Yuli County within the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China. Integrated morphological and molecular analyses consistently place S. tarimense n. sp. within the ‘kushidai-clade’. The infective juvenile (IJ) of new species is characterized by a body length of 674–1010 μm, excretory pore located 53–80 μm from anterior end, nerve ring positioned 85–131 μm from anterior end, pharynx base situated 111–162 μm from anterior end, a tail length of 41–56 μm, and the ratios D% = 42.0–66.6, E% = 116.2–184.4, and H% = 25.5–45.1. The first-generation male of the new species is characterized by a curved spicule length of 61–89 μm, gubernaculum length of 41–58 μm, and ratios D% = 36.8–66.2, SW% = 117.0–206.1, and GS% = 54.8–82.0. Additionally, the tail of first-generation female is conoid with a minute mucron. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS, 28S, and mt12S sequences demonstrated that the three isolates of S. tarimense n. sp. are conspecific and form a sister clade to members of the ‘kushidai-clade’ including S. akhursti, S. anantnagense, S. kushidai, and S. populi. Notably, the IJs of the new species exhibited faster development at 25°C compared to other Steinernema species. This represents the first described of an indigenous EPN species from Xinjiang, suggesting its potential as a novel biocontrol agent against local pests.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major disease worldwide, causing significant mortality and morbidity. Currently, in Aotearoa, New Zealand, there is a high prevalence of T2DM, with a disproportionate impact on Māori and Pacific populations(1). Moreover, it has been predicted that the prevalence will continually increase. Research has shown that insulin resistance (IR) has been reported to play a critical role in the development of T2DM and other related cardiometabolic diseases(2). Therefore, managing IR is crucial to reducing the development of T2DM. Notably, bioactive compounds in various diets are known to modify the risk of T2DM by regulating IR. Among such dietary compounds include kawakawa (Piper excelsum), an indigenous species used by Māori in traditional medicine (Rongoā). Kawakawa is shown to contain several bioactive compounds that are shown to have insulin-sensitising effects. Research by our group has recently shown kawakawa to have potential anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in healthy human volunteers(3,4). However, how Kawakawa exerts these effects on insulin signalling and glucose uptake remains unknown. We hypothesise that kawakawa will enhance the glucose uptake in the treated cells and will differentially regulate key genes involved in insulin signalling pathways, including GLUT2, IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and PI3K/Akt, across various tissues. To test our hypothesis, we aim to investigate the mechanistic action of kawakawa extract on insulin signalling pathways in different cell models from metabolically active organs. We will use the same kawakawa powder sample shown to improve postprandial insulin in a healthy population. Cell models representing different insulin-responsive organs: liver (HepG2), skeletal muscle (L6-GLUT4myc), pancreas (MIN6), and adipose (3T3-L1) will be used. The cells will be treated with different doses of kawakawa extract, and glucose uptake will be measured. Key signalling pathways, including GLUT2, IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and PI3K/Akt, will be monitored using western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The findings of this study have the potential to identify key targets of kawakawa action on insulin signalling in metabolically active organs. These outcomes will inform future research with kawakawa in clinical settings in people with cardiometabolic diseases such as T2DM and can form the basis for developing a dietary intervention for individuals at risk of these diseases. Additionally, Rongoā is an acceptable intervention by Māori, integrating this knowledge with evidence-based scientific interventions would aid in creating a holistic health paradigm that resonates within Māori communities.

As many as 1 in 12 people in residential care are likely to have a pressure injury at any time(1). Our pragmatic intervention, consented by both patients and their Enduring Power of Attorney, provided 20g whey protein concentrate (WPC) in 200ml whole milk to be consumed by the resident in the morning with breakfast or morning tea, to compensate for the likely lowest protein meal of the day(2), and increase total protein intake. WPC has a number of beneficial substances that support wound healing, such as arginine, and glutamine(3), plus the branch chain amino acids(4). The intervention was uncomplicated, well tolerated and resulted in wound healing, as evidenced by the pictures of the three initial cases. We need further trials to show that this is better than usual interventions. However, we believe this is a useful protocol to address a recognised problem of poor protein intake for those who need extra to heal wounds

This is a proof-of-concept study to compare the effects of a 2-week program of “Remind-to-move” (RTM) treatment using closed-loop and open-loop wearables for hemiparetic upper extremity in patients with chronic stroke in the community. The RTM open-loop wearable device has been proven in our previous studies to be useful to address the learned nonuse phenomenon of the hemiparetic upper extremity. A closed-loop RTM wearable device, which emits reminding cues according to actual arm use, was developed in this study. A convenience sample of 16 participants with chronic unilateral stroke recruited in the community was engaged in repetitive upper extremity task-specific practice for 2 weeks while wearing either a closed-loop or an open-loop ambulatory RTM wearable device on their affected hand for 3 hrs a day. Evaluations were conducted at pre-/post-intervention and follow-up after 4 weeks using upper extremity motor performance behavioral measures, actual arm use questionnaire, and the kinematic data obtained from the device. Results showed that both open-loop and closed-loop training groups achieved significant gains in all measures at posttest and follow-up evaluations. The closed-loop group showed a more significant improvement in movement frequency, hand functions, and actual arm use than did the open-loop group. Our findings supported the use of closed-loop wearables, which showed greater effects in terms of promoting the hand use of the hemiparetic upper extremity than open-loop wearables among patients with chronic stroke.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients exhibit variable post-injury recovery trajectories. Days at Home (DAH) is a patient-centered measure that captures healthcare transitions and offers a more nuanced understanding of recovery. Here, we use DAH to characterize longterm recovery trajectories for moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) survivors. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study utilized population health data from Ontario to identify adults sustaining isolated msTBI hospitalized between 2009-2021. DAH were calculated in distinct 30-day intervals from index admission to 3 years post-injury; latent class mixed modeling identified unique recovery trajectories and trajectory attributes were quantified. Results: There were 2,510 patients eligible for latent class analysis. Four DAH trajectories were identified: early recovery (69.9%), intermediate recovery (11.4%), late recovery (2.9%), and poor recovery (15.8%). Patients in the poor recovery group were older, more frail, and had lower admission GCS scores, while those in early recovery exhibited lower acute care needs. Intermediate and late recovery groups exhibited protracted transitions home, with near-complete reintegration by 24 months. A prediction model distinguished unfavorable trajectories with good accuracy (C-index=0.824). Conclusions: Despite high initial institutional care requirements, 85% of patients reintegrated into the community within three years of msTBI. These findings shed light on post-injury care requirements for brain-injured patients.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by biallelic mutations in the SMN1 gene. Early diagnosis through newborn screening (NBS) and presymptomatic treatment optimize health outcomes. Methods: SMA-NBS began in Alberta on 28February2022. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay detected homozygous deletions of exon 7 in dried blood spot samples. Screen-positive infants underwent genetic confirmation by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to determine SMN1/SMN2 copy numbers. We report clinical outcomes of SMA diagnoses through Alberta NBS over 3 years. Results: From 28February2022-31December2024, twelve infants were confirmed SMA positive, including two with 2 SMN2 copies and six with 3 SMN2 copies. Median age at initial positive screen was 6 days (range=3-9), and at diagnosis, 15 days (range=11-27). Seven infants (median age=29 days, range=18-142) received onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi. Two received nusinersen (Day 22) or risdiplam (Day 72), followed by onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (Day 48 and 111, respectively). Two infants received risdiplam after 3 months of age. One infant was symptomatic at treatment initiation. Post-treatment evaluations showed ongoing motor milestone achievements. Conclusions: SMA incidence in Alberta during 2022-2024 was 8.2 (95%CI: 3.5-12.8) cases per 100,000 live births. Efforts continue to shorten age at treatment initiation, especially for those with two SMN2 copies, and to promote uniform coverage for 4-copy cases.

We present the first radio–continuum detection of the circumstellar shell around the well-known WN8 type Wolf-Rayet star WR16 at 943.5 MHz using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) survey. At this frequency, the shell has a measured flux density of 72.2$\pm$7.2 mJy. Using previous Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) measurements at 2.4, 4.8, and 8.64 GHz, as well as the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) observations of the star itself, we determine a spectral index of $\alpha\,=\,+0.74\pm0.02$, indicating thermal emission. We propose that the shell and star both exhibit thermal emission, supported by the its appearance in near-infrared and H$\alpha$ observations. The latest Gaia parallax is used to determine a distance of 2.28$\pm$0.09 kpc. This star is well known for its surrounding circular nebulosity, and using the distance and an angular diameter of $8.^{\prime}42$, we determine the shell size to be 5.57$\pm$0.22 pc. We use the Gaia proper motion (PM) of WR16 to determine peculiar velocities of the star as $V_{\alpha}(pec) =$ –45.3$\pm$5.4 km s$^{-1}$ and $V_{\delta}(pec) =$ 22.8$\pm$4.7 km s$^{-1}$, which indicates that the star is moving in a north-west direction, and translates to a peculiar tangential velocity to be 50.7$\pm$6.9 km s$^{-1}$. We also use these proper motion (PM) to determine the shell’s origin, estimate an age of $\sim 9500\pm 1300$ yr, and determine its average expansion velocity to be $280\pm40$ km s$^{-1}$. This average expansion velocity suggests that the previous transitional phase is a Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) phase, rather than a Red Super Giant (RSG) phase. We also use the measured flux at 943.5 MHz to determine a mass-loss rate of $1.753\times 10^{-5}\,{\rm M}_\odot\,$yr$^{-1}$, and use this to determine a lower-limit on ionising photons of $N_{UV} \gt 1.406\times 10^{47}\,\textit{s}^{-1}$.

Background: The complement component C5 inhibitor, ravulizumab, is approved in Canada for the treatment of adults with AQP4-Ab+ NMOSD. Updated efficacy and safety results from the ongoing CHAMPION-NMOSD (NCT04201262) trial are reported. Methods: Participants received IV-administered, weight-based dosing of ravulizumab, with loading on day 1 and maintenance doses on day 15 and every 8 weeks thereafter. Following a primary treatment period (PTP; up to 2.5 years), patients could enter a long-term extension (LTE). Outcome measures included safety, time to first adjudicated on-trial relapse (OTR), risk reduction, and disability scores. Results: 56/41 patients entered/completed the LTE as of June 14, 2024. Median follow-up was 170.3 weeks (186.6 patient-years). No patients experienced an OTR. 94.8% (55/58 patients) had stable or improved Hauser Ambulation Index scores. 89.7% (52/58 patients) had no clinically important worsening in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Treatment-emergent adverse events (98.4%) were predominantly mild and unrelated to ravulizumab. Serious adverse events occurred in 25.9% of patients. Two cases of meningococcal infection occurred during the PTP, and none in the LTE. One unrelated death (cardiovascular) occurred during the LTE. Conclusions: Ravulizumab demonstrated long-term clinical benefit in AQP4-Ab+ NMOSD relapse prevention while maintaining or improving disability measures, with no new safety concerns.

Background: Neck vessel imaging is often performed in hyperacute stroke to allow neurointerventionalists to estimate access complexity. This study aimed to assess clinician agreement on catheterization strategies based on imaging in these scenarios. Methods: An electronic portfolio of 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke was sent to 53 clinicians. Respondents were asked: (1) the difficulty of catheterization through femoral access with a regular Vertebral catheter, (2) whether to use a Simmons or reverse-curve catheter initially, and (3) whether to consider an alternative access site. Agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ Kappa statistics. Results: Twenty-two respondents (7 neurologists, 15 neuroradiologists) completed the survey. Overall there was slight interrater agreement (κ=0.17, 95% CI: 0.10–0.25). Clinicians with >50 cases annually had better agreement (κ=0.22) for all questions than those with fewer cases (κ=0.07). Agreement did not significantly differ by imaging modality: CTA (κ=0.18) and MRA (κ=0.14). In 40/59 cases (67.80%), at least 25% of clinicians disagreed on whether to use a Simmons or reverse-curve catheter initially. Conclusions: Agreement on catheterization strategies remains fair at best. Our results suggest that visual assessment of pre-procedural vessels imaging is not reliable for the estimation of endovascular access complexity.

Background: Attitudes toward aging influence many health outcomes, yet their relationship with cognition and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unknown. To better understand their impact on cognition and AD risk, we examined whether positive attitudes predict better cognition and diminished risk on AD biomarkers. Methods: A subsample of older adults with a family history of AD (n=54; women=39) from the McGill PREVENT-AD cohort participated in this study. Participants completed the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ-24), providing three scores: psychosocial loss, psychological growth and physical change. Participants underwent cognitive testing (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System-Color Word Interference Test, D-KEFS-CWIT), and AD blood-based biomarker assessments (p-tau217, Aβ42/40). Regression models tested associations, adjusting for covariates (age, sex, education, depression, APOE4), and were Bonferroni corrected. Results: Positive attitudes were associated with better recall and recognition (RAVLT) and improved word reading, colour naming, switching, and inhibition (D-KEFS-CWIT) (p<0.00077), while negative attitudes showed the opposite pattern. Negative attitudes were correlated with lower Aβ42/40 ratios, while positive attitudes were linked to lower p-tau217 (p<0.0167). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that positive attitudes predict better cognition and a lower risk profile for AD biomarkers, suggesting that life outlook may be an early disease feature or a risk factor.

High density should drive greater parasite exposure. However, evidence linking density with infection generally uses density proxies or measures of population size, rather than measures of individuals per space within a continuous population. We used a long-term study of wild sheep to link within-population spatiotemporal variation in host density with individual parasite counts. Although four parasites exhibited strong positive relationships with local density, these relationships were mostly restricted to juveniles and faded in adults. Furthermore, one ectoparasite showed strong negative relationships across all age classes. In contrast, population size – a measure of global density – had limited explanatory power, and its effects did not remove those of spatial density, but were distinct. These results indicate that local and global density can exhibit diverse and contrasting effects on infection within populations. Spatial measures of within-population local density may provide substantial additional insight to temporal metrics based on population size, and investigating them more widely could be revealing.

Multicenter clinical trials are essential for evaluating interventions but often face significant challenges in study design, site coordination, participant recruitment, and regulatory compliance. To address these issues, the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences established the Trial Innovation Network (TIN). The TIN offers a scientific consultation process, providing access to clinical trial and disease experts who provide input and recommendations throughout the trial’s duration, at no cost to investigators. This approach aims to improve trial design, accelerate implementation, foster interdisciplinary teamwork, and spur innovations that enhance multicenter trial quality and efficiency. The TIN leverages resources of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, complementing local capabilities at the investigator’s institution. The Initial Consultation process focuses on the study’s scientific premise, design, site development, recruitment and retention strategies, funding feasibility, and other support areas. As of 6/1/2024, the TIN has provided 431 Initial Consultations to increase efficiency and accelerate trial implementation by delivering customized support and tailored recommendations. Across a range of clinical trials, the TIN has developed standardized, streamlined, and adaptable processes. We describe these processes, provide operational metrics, and include a set of lessons learned for consideration by other trial support and innovation networks.

Recent changes to US research funding are having far-reaching consequences that imperil the integrity of science and the provision of care to vulnerable populations. Resisting these changes, the BJPsych Portfolio reaffirms its commitment to publishing mental science and advancing psychiatric knowledge that improves the mental health of one and all.

The Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) offers powerful new capabilities for studying the polarised and magnetised Universe at radio wavelengths. In this paper, we introduce the Polarisation Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM), a groundbreaking survey with three primary objectives: (1) to create a comprehensive Faraday rotation measure (RM) grid of up to one million compact extragalactic sources across the southern $\sim50$% of the sky (20,630 deg$^2$); (2) to map the intrinsic polarisation and RM properties of a wide range of discrete extragalactic and Galactic objects over the same area; and (3) to contribute interferometric data with excellent surface brightness sensitivity, which can be combined with single-dish data to study the diffuse Galactic interstellar medium. Observations for the full POSSUM survey commenced in May 2023 and are expected to conclude by mid-2028. POSSUM will achieve an RM grid density of around 30–50 RMs per square degree with a median measurement uncertainty of $\sim$1 rad m$^{-2}$. The survey operates primarily over a frequency range of 800–1088 MHz, with an angular resolution of 20” and a typical RMS sensitivity in Stokes Q or U of 18 $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$. Additionally, the survey will be supplemented by similar observations covering 1296–1440 MHz over 38% of the sky. POSSUM will enable the discovery and detailed investigation of magnetised phenomena in a wide range of cosmic environments, including the intergalactic medium and cosmic web, galaxy clusters and groups, active galactic nuclei and radio galaxies, the Magellanic System and other nearby galaxies, galaxy halos and the circumgalactic medium, and the magnetic structure of the Milky Way across a very wide range of scales, as well as the interplay between these components. This paper reviews the current science case developed by the POSSUM Collaboration and provides an overview of POSSUM’s observations, data processing, outputs, and its complementarity with other radio and multi-wavelength surveys, including future work with the SKA.

We undertake a comprehensive investigation into the distribution of in situ stars within Milky Way-like galaxies, leveraging TNG50 simulations and comparing their predictions with data from the H3 survey. Our analysis reveals that 28% of galaxies demonstrate reasonable agreement with H3, while only 12% exhibit excellent alignment in their profiles, regardless of the specific spatial cut employed to define in situ stars. To uncover the underlying factors contributing to deviations between TNG50 and H3 distributions, we scrutinise correlation coefficients among internal drivers (e.g. virial radius, star formation rate [SFR]) and merger-related parameters (such as the effective mass-ratio, mean distance, average redshift, total number of mergers, average spin-ratio, and maximum spin alignment between merging galaxies). Notably, we identify significant correlations between deviations from observational data and key parameters such as the median slope of virial radius, mean SFR values, and the rate of SFR change across different redshift scans. Furthermore, positive correlations emerge between deviations from observational data and parameters related to galaxy mergers. We validate these correlations using the Random Forest Regression method. Our findings underscore the invaluable insights provided by the H3 survey in unravelling the cosmic history of galaxies akin to the Milky Way, thereby advancing our understanding of galactic evolution and shedding light on the formation and evolution of Milky Way-like galaxies in cosmological simulations.