Background: Efgartigimod, a human immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 antibody Fc fragment, blocks the neonatal Fc receptor, reducing IgGs involved in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The multi-stage, double-blinded, placebo-controlled ADHERE (NCT04281472) and open-label extension ADHERE+ (NCT04280718) trials (interim analysis cutoff: February 16, 2024) assessed efgartigimod PH20 SC in participants with CIDP. Methods: Participants with active CIDP received open-label, weekly efgartigimod PH20 SC 1000 mg during ≤12-week run-in (stage-A). Responders were randomized (1:1) to efgartigimod or placebo for ≤48 weeks (stage-B). Participants with clinical deterioration in stage-B or who completed ADHERE entered ADHERE+. Week 36 changes from run-in baseline (CFB) in adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (aINCAT), Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS), and grip strength scores were evaluated. Results: Of 322 stage-A participants, 221 were randomized and treated in stage-B, and 99% entered ADHERE+. Mean CFB (SE) in aINCAT, I-RODS, and grip strength scores were -1.2 (0.15) and 8.8 (1.46) and 17.5 (2.02), respectively, at ADHERE+ Week 36 (N=150). Half the participants with clinical deterioration during ADHERE stage-B restabilized on efgartigimod from ADHERE+ Week 4. Conclusions: Interim results from ADHERE+ indicate long-term effectiveness of efgartigimod PH20 SC in clinical outcomes in participants with CIDP.

Background: Efgartigimod, a human immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 antibody Fc fragment, blocks the neonatal Fc receptor, reducing IgGs involved in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare, progressive, immune-mediated disease that can lead to irreversible disability. The multi-stage, double-blinded, placebo-controlled ADHERE (NCT04281472) trial assessed efgartigimod PH20 SC in participants with CIDP. Methods: Participants with active CIDP received open-label, weekly efgartigimod PH20 SC 1000 mg during ≤12-week run-in (stage-A). Responders were randomized (1:1) to weekly efgartigimod or placebo for ≤48 weeks (stage-B). This posthoc analysis evaluated changes from run-in baseline (study enrollment) to stage-B last assessment and items of the Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS). Results: Of 322 participants who entered stage-A, 221 were randomized and treated in stage-B, and 191/221 had data for run-in baseline and post–stage-B timepoints. Mean (SE) I-RODS change at stage-B last assessment vs run-in baseline was 5.7 (1.88) and -4.9 (1.82) in participants randomized to efgartigimod and placebo, respectively. 37/97 (38.1%) and 24/92 (26.1%) participants randomized to efgartigimod and placebo, respectively, experienced ≥4-point improvements in I-RODS score. Efgartigimod-treated participants improved ≥1 point in I-RODS items of clinical interest. Conclusions: Participants who received efgartigimod in stage-B experienced improvements in I-RODS score from study enrollment to stage-B last assessment.

The First Large Absorption Survey in H i (FLASH) is a large-area radio survey for neutral hydrogen in and around galaxies in the intermediate redshift range $0.4\lt z\lt1.0$, using the 21-cm H i absorption line as a probe of cold neutral gas. The survey uses the ASKAP radio telescope and will cover 24,000 deg$^2$ of sky over the next five years. FLASH breaks new ground in two ways – it is the first large H i absorption survey to be carried out without any optical preselection of targets, and we use an automated Bayesian line-finding tool to search through large datasets and assign a statistical significance to potential line detections. Two Pilot Surveys, covering around 3000 deg$^2$ of sky, were carried out in 2019-22 to test and verify the strategy for the full FLASH survey. The processed data products from these Pilot Surveys (spectral-line cubes, continuum images, and catalogues) are public and available online. In this paper, we describe the FLASH spectral-line and continuum data products and discuss the quality of the H i spectra and the completeness of our automated line search. Finally, we present a set of 30 new H i absorption lines that were robustly detected in the Pilot Surveys, almost doubling the number of known H i absorption systems at $0.4\lt z\lt1$. The detected lines span a wide range in H i optical depth, including three lines with a peak optical depth $\tau\gt1$, and appear to be a mixture of intervening and associated systems. Interestingly, around two-thirds of the lines found in this untargeted sample are detected against sources with a peaked-spectrum radio continuum, which are only a minor (5–20%) fraction of the overall radio-source population. The detection rate for H i absorption lines in the Pilot Surveys (0.3 to 0.5 lines per 40 deg$^2$ ASKAP field) is a factor of two below the expected value. One possible reason for this is the presence of a range of spectral-line artefacts in the Pilot Survey data that have now been mitigated and are not expected to recur in the full FLASH survey. A future paper in this series will discuss the host galaxies of the H i absorption systems identified here.

Observational studies suggest higher intake of cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, kale) is associated with lower chronic disease risk(1,2). Glucosinolates (GSL) and cysteine sulfoxides such as S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) are sulfur-containing compounds found in high amounts in these vegetables(3). Currently, no data exists on SMCSO levels in Australian-grown cruciferous vegetables and limited data exists for glucosinolates (GSL). The levels of SMCSO retained in cruciferous vegetables after various domestic cooking methods is unknown, and measurement of SMCSO and GSL levels in cooked Australian-grown cruciferous vegetables is limited. This study sought to (1) quantify SMCSO and GSL in Australian-grown cruciferous vegetables and (2) identify the most preferable cooking methods to retain levels in these vegetables. Using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we quantified SMCSO and ten GSL in seven cruciferous vegetables before and after steaming. We further quantified levels in broccoli before and after microwaving, stir-frying, and boiling. Each cooking method; steaming (3 minutes), microwaving (2 minutes), boiling (3 minutes), stir-frying (4 minutes); was chosen so vegetables remained firm and not overcooked to mimic healthy cooking recommendations(4). Student t-tests were used to compare the differences in raw and steamed levels for all vegetables, and analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc assessed the differences in raw and cooked broccoli (i.e., steamed, microwaved, boiled, stir-fried). Overall, SMCSO contributed greater dry weight (0.6–1.9%) than total GSL combined (0.3–1.2%). SMCSO levels from lowest to highest were Chinese cabbage < white cabbage < cauliflower < kale < red cabbage < broccoli < Brussels sprouts (6–19 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and GSL levels were cauliflower < Chinese cabbage < red cabbage < kale < broccoli < white cabbage < Brussels sprouts (3–12 mg/g DW). SMCSO increased after steaming (1–24%) in all vegetables except white cabbage (−31%), kale (−18%), and Chinese cabbage (−5%), but only reached statistical significance in Brussels sprouts (+16%, p < 0.05). Most vegetables increased total GSL (ranging 1–34%) after steaming, except kale (−38%) and Chinese cabbage (−8%). Stir-frying and boiling broccoli led to significant losses in SMCSO (−34% and −50%, respectively) and in the two dominant GSL in broccoli; glucoraphanin (−47% and −52%, respectively) and glucobrassicin (−46% and –51%, respectively) (all p < 0.05). We have quantified SMCSO and GSL levels in a selection of Australian-grown cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, red, white, and Chinese cabbages) before and after cooking. SMCSO and GSL levels were relatively stable after light steaming. Additionally, light steaming or microwaving were the most preferable methods to retain SMCSO and GSL levels in broccoli. Boiling or stir-frying broccoli were the least favourable. These results have important implications when estimating intake of these beneficial sulfur-containing compounds.

Let G be a finite group and p be a prime. We prove that if G has three codegrees, then G is an M-group. We prove for some prime p that if the degree of every nonlinear irreducible Brauer character of G is a prime, then for every normal subgroup N of G, either $G/N$ or N is an $M_p$-group.

Objectives/Goals: The Clinical Research Education in Genome Science (CREiGS) program was developed to address the need for faculty and trainees conducting biomedical research to gain foundational training in genome science and accelerate the clinical adoption of genomic medicine. CREiGS, funded by NHGRI, offers comprehensive training in genomic analysis and statistical computing. Methods/Study Population: CREiGS targets a diverse pool of medical/doctoral students, postdocs, and faculty from academic institutions nationwide. The hybrid program included an 11-week online phase and a 3-day in-person phase, focusing on genomic science, statistical analysis and R programming, rigor and reproducibility, and engaging diverse populations in genomics research. Advanced special topics lectures included: decision analysis for genomics research, bioethical engagement of indigenous communities in genomics research, elucidating gene networks for advancing human health, etc. Strategies for recruiting diverse participants and ensuring an inclusive learning environment were informed by the Diversity Recruitment External Advisory Board. Participants’ skills were evaluated via pre- and post-course surveys. Results/Anticipated Results: Of 187 participants over 5 cohorts, 68.4% were female and 47.0% from underrepresented groups. The cohort spanned career stages, with 35.3% students, 34.2% postdocs, and 30.4% faculty, most of whom were at the junior level. Competency evaluations showed improvements in all core competencies of the course: (1) independently carrying out small-scale research improvements, (2) confidence collaborating with statisticians, bioinformaticians, and other genome science experts, (3) applying appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of genetics and genomics data, (4) accurately interpreting findings from genome research studies, (5) critiquing the internal/external validity of genome research studies, and (6) effectively engaging diverse populations and community stakeholders. Discussion/Significance of Impact: CREiGS successfully provided inclusive, high-quality, genomic and statistical training, to diverse scientists enhancing their research capacity and methodologic competency. Findings from longer term evaluations examining the contribution of CREiGS to participants’ genome science-related scholarly productivity are forthcoming.

Estimating the population size of shy and elusive species is challenging but necessary to inform appropriate conservation actions for threatened or declining species. Using camera-trap surveys conducted during 2017–2021, we estimated and compared African clawless otter Aonyx capensis population densities and activity times in six conserved areas in southern Africa. We used two different models to estimate densities: random encounter models and camera-trap distance sampling. Our results highlight a general pattern of higher estimated densities and narrower confidence intervals using random encounter models compared to camera-trap distance sampling. We found substantial variation in densities between study areas, with random encounter model estimates ranging between 0.9 and 4.2 otters/km2. Our camera-trap distance sampling estimates supported the relative density estimates obtained from random encounter models but were generally lower and more variable, ranging from 0.8 to 4.0 otters/km2. We found significant differences in otter activity patterns, with populations either being nocturnal, mostly nocturnal or cathemeral. As all study areas experience little human disturbance, our results suggest that there are large natural variations in otter densities and activity patterns between regions. When densities are converted to metrics that are comparable to previous studies, our estimates suggest that African clawless otter population numbers are generally lower than previously reported. This highlights a need for broader spatial coverage of otter population assessments and future studies to assess potential environmental drivers of spatial, and potentially temporal, variation in population numbers and activity patterns.

This article details how Plautus’ Casina has been used in a general education comparative gender history class over multiple semesters. Since Casina was based on an Athenian New Comedy play (The Lot-Castors by Diphilus), it incorporates elements of late fourth/early third century BCE Athenian ideas on gender, gender roles, and sexuality as well as Republican Roman views on these same areas from approximately a century later. For an introductory comparative gender history course which is designed for a wide time span, this play therefore offers the opportunity to look at two related cultures in just one work. The article highlights areas of the play emphasising those cultures’ ideals and values, and also deals with which areas students have most commented on and which ones are often ignored, in terms of characters, gender roles, and sexualities. The role and representation of slaves in those societies and within the play are also remarked upon.

We investigate neighbourhood sizes in the enhanced power graph (also known as the cyclic graph) associated with a finite group. In particular, we characterise finite p-groups with the smallest maximum size for neighbourhoods of a nontrivial element in its enhanced power graph.

Isopods infest fish worldwide, but their role as disease vectors remains poorly understood. Here, we describe infestation of Atlantic bonefish (Albula vulpes) in Belize with isopods in two of three locations studied, with infestation rates of 15 and 44%. Isopods fed aggressively, and infested fish showed missing scales and scars. Gross morphologic and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed the isopods to cluster within the family Aegidae and to be most closely related to members of the genus Rocinela, which are globally distributed micro-predators of fish. Metagenomic analysis of 10 isopods identified 11 viruses, including two novel reoviruses (Reovirales) in the families Sedoreoviridae and Spinareoviridae. The novel sedoreovirus clustered phylogenetically within an invertebrate-specific clade of viruses related to the genus Orbivirus, which contains arboviruses of global concern for mammal health. The novel spinareovirus clustered within the fish-infecting genus Aquareovirus, which contains viruses of global concern for fish health. Metagenomic analyses revealed no evidence of infection of bonefish with the novel aquareovirus, suggesting that viremia in bonefish is absent, low, or transient, or that isopods may have acquired the virus from other fish. During field collections, isopods aggressively bit humans, and blood meal analysis confirmed that isopods had fed on bonefish, other fish, and humans. Vector-borne transmission may be an underappreciated mechanism for aquareovirus transmission and for virus host switching between fish and other species, which has been inferred across viral families from studies of deep virus evolution.

Let G be a finite group. We investigate the structure of finite groups whose irreducible character codegrees are consecutive integers.

Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) shortens the time of sterilization but may increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). Among 23,919 procedures with 416 (1.7%) procedures resulting in SSI, IUSS was associated with a 1.52 (95% CI, 1.10–2.11) times higher risk of SSI. IUSS should be minimized.

Background: Efgartigimod, a human immunoglobulin G (IgG)1 antibody Fc fragment, blocks the neonatal Fc receptor, decreasing IgG recycling and reducing pathogenic IgG autoantibody levels. ADHERE assessed the efficacy and safety of efgartigimod PH20 subcutaneous (SC; co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: ADHERE enrolled participants with CIDP (treatment naive or on standard treatments withdrawn during run-in period) and consisted of open-label Stage A (efgartigimod PH20 SC once weekly [QW]), and randomized (1:1) Stage B (efgartigimod or placebo QW). Primary outcomes were clinical improvement (assessed with aINCAT, I-RODS, or mean grip strength; Stage A) and time to first aINCAT score deterioration (relapse; Stage B). Secondary outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) incidence. Results: 322 participants entered Stage A. 214 (66.5%) were considered responders, randomized, and treated in Stage B. Efgartigimod significantly reduced the risk of relapse (HR: 0.394; 95% CI: 0.25–0.61) versus placebo (p=0.000039). Reduced risk of relapse occurred in participants receiving corticosteroids, intravenous or SC immunoglobulin, or no treatment before study entry. Most TEAEs were mild to moderate; 3 deaths occurred, none related to efgartigimod. Conclusions: Participants treated with efgartigimod PH20 SC maintained a clinical response and remained relapse-free longer than those treated with placebo.

Marine litter poses a complex challenge in Indonesia, necessitating a well-informed and coordinated strategy for effective mitigation. This study investigates the seasonality of plastic concentrations around Sulawesi Island in central Indonesia during monsoon-driven wet and dry seasons. By using open data and methodologies including the HYCOM and Parcels models, we simulated the dispersal of plastic waste over 3 months during both the southwest and northeast monsoons. Our research extended beyond data analysis, as we actively engaged with local communities, researchers and policymakers through a range of outreach initiatives, including the development of a web application to visualize model results. Our findings underscore the substantial influence of monsoon-driven currents on surface plastic concentrations, highlighting the seasonal variation in the risk to different regional seas. This study adds to the evidence provided by coarser resolution regional ocean modelling studies, emphasizing that seasonality is a key driver of plastic pollution within the Indonesian archipelago. Inclusive international collaboration and a community-oriented approach were integral to our project, and we recommend that future initiatives similarly engage researchers, local communities and decision-makers in marine litter modelling results. This study aims to support the application of model results in solutions to the marine litter problem.

Scholars of the past frame the ‘origins’ or evolution of inequality, usually using archaeological or anthropological evidence as a basis for their arguments, as an intentional, inevitable, important step towards the development of states, implicitly framed as the pinnacle of human political and economic achievement. Anarchist archaeologies reject the idea of hierarchy as a positive or inevitable evolutionary outcome underlying the path to civilization. We argue instead for a radical reorientation towards archaeologies of equality. We propose a prefigurative archaeology that celebrates the myriad ways that human beings have actively undermined and resisted hierarchical social arrangements. We aim to reorient archaeology's focus towards societies that purposefully prevented or constrained the emergence of inequality. To demonstrate the potential of archaeologies of equality we present case examples from Oceania, Britain, West Asia and the American Southwest. Highlighting the accomplishments of societies of equals in the past demonstrates the contingency and problematic nature of present forms of inequality. It allows us to explore a different set of pasts and thus enact different presents as we imagine different futures.