Background: TERT promoter mutation (TPM) is an established biomarker in meningiomas associated with aberrant TERT expression and reduced progression-free survival (PFS). TERT expression, however, has also been observed even in tumours with wildtype TERT promoters (TP-WT). This study aimed to examine TERT expression and clinical outcomes in meningiomas. Methods: TERT expression, TPM status, and TERT promoter methylation of a multi-institutional cohort of meningiomas (n=1241) was assessed through nulk RNA sequencing (n=604), Sanger sequencing of the promoter (n=1095), and methylation profiling (n=1218). 380 Toronto meningiomas were used for discovery, and 861 external institution samples were compiled as a validation cohort. Results: Both TPMs and TERTpromoter methylation were associated with increased TERT expression and may represent independent mechanisms of TERT reactivation. TERT expression was detected in 30.4% of meningiomas that lacked TPMs, was associated with higher WHO grades, and corresponded to shorter PFS, independent of grade and even among TP-WT tumours. TERT expression was associated with a shorter PFS equivalent to those of TERT-negative meningiomas of one higher grade. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the prognostic significance of TERT expression in meningiomas, even in the absence of TPMs. Its presence may identify patients who may progress earlier and should be considered in risk stratification models.

Background: Ischemic stroke increases the number of glial cells, such as astrocytes, and causes neuronal death, disrupting the neuron-to-glia balance, contributing to neurodegeneration. Treatment with NeuroD-adeno-associated virus (NeuroD1-AVV) may enhance neuronal transdifferentiation and improve motor function, but the optimal administration protocol for the drug has yet to be determined. Methods: Non-human primates (NHPs) underwent middle cerebral occlusion surgery. Fourteen days poststroke, subjects received NeuroD1-AVV according to two distinct protocols: Three high doses and three low doses. Neurological deficits and cognitive performance were measured using the NHP stroke scale and coloured glove shift of set task, respectively. Nine months post-stroke, NHPs were euthanized. Brains were harvested and stained for neuronal (NEUN and MAP2) and glial (GFAP, IBA1) markers using immunofluorescence techniques. Results: Our results indicate that both protocols effectively rebalance the neuron-to-glia cell ratio by decreasing GFAP+ cells in the P1 and P2 NHPS ipsilateral hemispheres. No cognitive performance differences were found across groups; however, P2 had better NHPSS outcomes from months 2 to 9. Conclusions: The findings support both injection protocols in restoring histological balance, with P2 being more effective for motor function rehabilitation. Investigations into neuronal functionality and development levels continue.

Background: Stroke therapies remain an area of ongoing research. Gene therapies offer a novel approach to repair tissue damage, particularly NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion, which regenerates functional neurons after ischemic injury. Here, we applied NeuroD1 therapy in a non-human primates (NHPs) stroke model to evaluate its effects on corticospinal tract (CST) recovery and motor performance. Methods: Eight NHPs underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Fourteen days later, six animals received intracranial NeuroD1 treatment (three high-dose, three low-dose), while two received a control solution. Neurological and functional performance were assessed daily. MRI scans were performed at baseline and at 7, 30, 90, 120, and 240 days post-MCAO, with the bilateral CST reconstructed at each time point. All procedures followed Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines and were approved by Queen’s University’s Animal Use Subcommittee. Results: We found that NHPs receiving the control solution exhibited poorer motor recovery and minimal CST reconstruction. In contrast, those treated with a low dose of NeuroD1 demonstrated motor and functional recovery along with CST reconstruction. Notably, animals receiving the higher dose showed the most significant overall recovery including a greater CST integrity. Conclusions: NeuroD1 treatment promotes white matter tract restoration and facilitates motor recovery following stroke.

Background: Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive condition causing cervical spinal cord injury. Disease severity is commonly assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, yet clinical guidelines do not integrate pain—a key symptom—in evaluations. This meta-analysis examines the relationship between pain scores and quality of life outcomes (QOL) in surgical DCM patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase identified 73 studies. Data regarding pain scores (VAS/NRS) and QOL outcomes (SF-12, SF-36) were extracted by 2 independent reviewers and all conflicts were resolved by the senior author. The number of patients analyzed in the studies included was 929. Results: Meta-regression identified no significant relationship between pain and SF-36 preoperatively but found a significant negative correlation at 3 months (r = -0.67, p<0.05), 6 months (r = -0.65, p<0.05), 1 year (-0.63, p<0.05), and 2 years (r = -0.62, p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results indicate a strong relationship between postoperative pain and QOL among patients with DCM. Surgeons and care teams should prioritize optimal pain management postoperatively for patients with DCM.

Scholars writing for mainstream newspapers, magazines, and websites make the world of ideas accessible to people outside the hallowed halls of higher education – how dare you. It disrobes the habits of academic writing and respects the skills of the journalist who can turn complexity into clarity for non-specialist readers. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling, this article includes tips for style and structure in public writing and advice on submitting pieces for publication. Published models and sample process steps provide nuts-and-bolts guidance for academics looking to write for public venues but unsure where to start. Behind these strategies lies a simple truth: public writing works best when subject-matter experts do it themselves.

Despite the increased awareness and action towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), the glaciological community still experiences and perpetuates examples of exclusionary and discriminatory behavior. We here discuss the challenges and visions from a group predominantly composed of early-career researchers from the 2023 edition of the Karthaus Summer School on Ice Sheets and Glaciers in the Climate System. This paper presents the results of an EDI-focused workshop that the 36 students and 12 lecturers who attended the summer school actively participated in. We identify common threads from participant responses and distill them into collective visions for the future of the glaciological research community, built on actionable steps toward change. In this paper, we address the following questions that guided the workshop: What do we see as current EDI challenges in the glaciology research community and which improvements would we like to see in the next fifty years? Contributions have been sorted into three main challenges we want and need to face: making glaciology (1) more accessible, (2) more equitable and (3) more responsible.

Objectives/Goals: Chronic stress may accelerate biological aging yet is often overlooked in clinical settings. Many tools to assess stress exist, but a comprehensive measure of cumulative stress across the lifespan is unavailable. This study validates a novel measure of lifetime stress for use as a screening tool in clinical practice. Methods/Study Population: Patients (n > 220) enrolled in brain health research registry at the Washington University St. Louis Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center completed in-person surveys at baseline and after six months. Baseline measures included the everyday discrimination scale (EDS), total adverse experience (TAE), and demographics. Age and evaluating life course stress experience (ELSE) scores were measured six months later. Ongoing analysis includes age-adjusted correlations of ELSE scores with TAE and EDS scores. We will investigate the correlation with race and ethnicity and sex assigned at birth. We will explore the relationship between ELSE score and multidimensional intersectionality. Results/Anticipated Results: The sample was 87% Black or African American, 8% White, 4% Hispanic, 82% female, and 18% male, with a mean age of 66 ± 10 years. Age-adjusted relationships between patient characteristics and ELSE scores will be analyzed. Additionally, ELSE responses will be compared against age, EDS, and TAE measurements. Intersectionality between race-ethnicity, sex, and gender will be examined. We hypothesize ELSE scores will vary by demographic. Preliminary results indicate the ELSE scale correlates with established life stress measures, accounting for cumulative stress exposure across a lifespan independent of specific stressor topics. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The ELSE scale is a viable tool for clinical screening of chronic stress exposure over a lifespan. Its implementation will allow clinicians to identify patients at high risk for accelerated aging, facilitating targeted interventions and advancing equity in healthcare delivery.

Using National Healthcare Safety Network data, an interrupted time series of intravenous antimicrobial starts (IVAS) among hemodialysis patients was performed. Annual adjusted rates decreased by 6.64% (January 2012–March 2020) and then further decreased by 8.91% until December 2021. IVAS incidence trends have decreased since 2012, including during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifty-three tests designed to measure aspects of creative thinking were administered to 410 air cadets and student officers. The scores were intercorrelated and 16 factors were extracted. Orthogonal rotations resulted in 14 identifiable factors, a doublet, and a residual. Nine previously identified factors were: verbal comprehension, numerical facility, perceptual speed, visualization, general reasoning, word fluency, associational fluency, ideational fluency, and a factor combining Thurstone's closure I and II. Five new factors were identified as originality, redefinition, adaptive flexibility, spontaneous flexibility, and sensitivity to problems.

The variance of the number of mutual dyads in a sociometric situation where each member of a group chooses independently and at random is derived for unrestricted numbers of choices per group member, as well as for a fixed number of choices. The distribution of the number of mutuals is considered.

The current food system is not only unsustainable but also increasingly inequitable, resulting in food insecurity for many people in the United Kingdom and globally(1). The health impacts of the current food system on disadvantaged communities warrants examination to improve ecological public health nutrition strategies(2). Community gardens and kitchens are frequently established by volunteers in the hope that they will serve as alternatives to the current food environment, building healthy food capacity in the community as well as outdoor physical and social activities for urban residents(3). This remains to be explored in deprived communities in Dorset, UK.

This pilot research was conducted in fourteen adults living in disadvantaged areas in Dorset (Hamworthy-Poole). Inclusion criteria were individuals over 18 years old living in low-income households, who were users of community food garden and kitchen initiatives. The individuals usually attend with their family members in the food growing and cooking activities, including young children and older adults in the programmes. Three semi-structured interviews and three focus groups (total n = 14) were undertaken to uncover views on the importance and roles of these community food initiatives in relation to healthy eating and access to locally grown fresh produce. All discussions were digitally recorded, and data were transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data analysis, using Clarke and Braun’s(4)six steps of thematic analysis, was performed via NVivo software.

Four main themes emerged: Tackling food insecurity & sustainability, Utilization of climate friendly & organic Food, Bridging intergenerational gap and Promoting healthy lifestyle. These food initiatives help in addressing food insecurity from the perspective of the participants. The role of community gardens together with cooking sessions can be further recognised as contributors to community development, access to healthy food such as fresh fruits and vegetables and nurturing skills related to nutritious food preparation.

In conclusion, this research provided insights into the perceptions on how we can design a health promotion initiative that is inclusive and sustainable to tackle food insecurity effectively.

Next generation high-power laser facilities are expected to generate hundreds-of-MeV proton beams and operate at multi-Hz repetition rates, presenting opportunities for medical, industrial and scientific applications requiring bright pulses of energetic ions. Characterizing the spectro-spatial profile of these ions at high repetition rates in the harsh radiation environments created by laser–plasma interactions remains challenging but is paramount for further source development. To address this, we present a compact scintillating fiber imaging spectrometer based on the tomographic reconstruction of proton energy deposition in a layered fiber array. Modeling indicates that spatial resolution of approximately 1 mm and energy resolution of less than 10% at proton energies of more than 20 MeV are readily achievable with existing 100 μm diameter fibers. Measurements with a prototype beam-profile monitor using 500 μm fibers demonstrate active readouts with invulnerability to electromagnetic pulses, and less than 100 Gy sensitivity. The performance of the full instrument concept is explored with Monte Carlo simulations, accurately reconstructing a proton beam with a multiple-component spectro-spatial profile.

Public humanities happens whenever humanities scholarship interacts with public life. Providing a 10-point typology of public humanities, this article explains why we need the humanities – as individuals and as societies – and narrates some moments when the humanities have changed the world. We discuss the rise of “public humanities,” some critiques of the field, and a vision for its future.

This editorial considers the value and nature of academic psychiatry by asking what defines the specialty and psychiatrists as academics. We frame academic psychiatry as a way of thinking that benefits clinical services and discuss how to inspire the next generation of academics.