Literature syntheses link knowledge across study systems and regions. However, specific details on the biological systems of the included publications may not always be explicitly outlined because of communication gaps (a.k.a. The Curse of Knowledge) and/or knowledge gaps. These gaps can lead to inappropriate comparisons across studies if researchers unfamiliar with the systems make inaccurate assumptions about aspects of study design or natural history. In the context of movement ecology, a growing number of publications explore how host infection and host migration intersect, work that is critical for predicting how global change will impact both animal movement and parasite transmission. Given the complexity of host and parasite life histories, these studies may be particularly vulnerable to knowledge and communication gaps. To minimize communication gaps and highlight knowledge gaps, we developed a checklist with 15 specific elements separated into three categories about migration, parasites, and sampling that should be addressed within a publication to provide a more complete picture of the study system for a non-specialist. We validate our checklist in three ways. First, we use two worked examples to show the information each element reveals. Second, we apply our checklist to a database of 36 publications on migrating infected hosts to quantify which details are typically missing from the published literature. Third, we create a try-it-yourself example based on a fictional study system to illustrate the challenges associated with extracting information on an unknown system. All but one of the publications assessed were missing information on at least one checklist element and 11 were missing more than half. Our checklist is therefore a tool that researchers can use to broaden the impact of their studies and facilitate cross-species comparisons and syntheses. We hope this work stimulates interest in the value of reporting guidelines and encourages researchers to apply this approach to other aspects of animal ecology that might similarly suffer from the Curse of Knowledge.
Gluten-free fermented products remain technologically challenging due to the absence of gluten, which plays a key role in stabilizing batter structure and gas retention. This study proposes a mixture design-driven approach to develop gluten-free Algerian pancakes based on rice and teff formulations enriched with legumes and seeds, aiming to restore techno-functional properties while improving nutritional quality. Two formulations, a teff-based (TBF) and a rice-based (RBF) system, were optimized using a simplex centroid mixture design and evaluated in comparison with durum wheat pancakes. The results demonstrated that formulation strongly influenced batter rheology and final structure. The TBF system exhibited superior technological performance, with higher specific volume (1.77 cm3/g), lower density (0.56 g/cm3), and enhanced porosity, associated with improved protein and fiber content. In contrast, the RBF formulation showed higher antioxidant activity. The findings highlight the critical role of component interactions in modulating batter viscosity and foam stability, which directly affected pore development and product airiness. Both optimized formulations successfully reproduced the characteristic "light and airy" structure of traditional pancakes, achieving good sensory acceptability. Overall, this study demonstrates that mixture design can effectively guide the development of gluten-free fermented systems by linking composition, rheology, and structural properties, providing a strategy for improving the quality of traditional gluten-free foods.
Unlike other red algae, the perennial species Palmaria palmata exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism with a microscopic female gametophytic phase that does not produce cystocarps. To investigate how these unique features of its life cycle influence its reproductive mode, we analyzed the relative proportion of macroscopic individuals (tetrasporophytes vs. male gametophytes) across multiple geographic scales and between intertidal and subtidal habitats along the western coast of France (892 individuals collected from 17 locations). Because female gametophytes are microscopic and cannot be directly sampled in the field, their frequencies were inferred under two alternative hypotheses: (H1) assuming an equal sex ratio (i.e., the proportion of females equal to males) and (H2) assuming the proportion of females equals tetrasporophytes, given that tetrasporophytes develop directly on a female gametophyte. Under H1, our results predict a demographic advantage of tetrasporophytes over gametophytes. Moreover, tetrasporophytes were significantly more abundant in intertidal than in subtidal zones, likely reflecting their greater resilience to environmental fluctuations. Conversely, under H2, the sex ratio was significantly biased toward female gametophytes and the estimated proportion of tetrasporophytes was lower than that of gametophytes. In addition, the relative contribution of self-fertilization and clonal reproduction were assessed using 11 microsatellite markers. These findings confirm that this species reproduces mainly sexually and suggest that sexual dimorphism may limit selfing and enhance the survival of the tetrasporophyte, which develops directly on the female, thereby compensating for the absence of cystocarps. Overall, our results provide valuable insights into the reproductive strategies and adaptive potential of this commercially important alga.
The detection and identification of unknown organic pollutants in complex environmental and forensic samples remain major analytical challenges. While numerous finely tuned liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods exist for specific compound classes, no transversal strategy has been proposed to date. Here we propose an "all-in-one" LC-MS strategy that is robust enough to handle the unknown and broad enough to encompass multiple chemical families within a single analytical framework. Our approach combines a structured, literature-derived analysis of LC-based methods with experimental validation on model mixtures and real forensic samples. From a systematic review of hundreds of reported conditions, we established a structured database of key LC parameters for selected pesticides, household products, and dyes. This enabled the design of a cross-family LC-MS method validated on representative compounds and successfully applied to authentic casework, including suspicious delivery packages and household cleaning agents in forensic investigations. Rather than relying on novel instrumentation, this work provides the first literature-driven, experimentally validated workflow for broad-spectrum, nontargeted LC-MS detection. This strategy, widely applicable across environmental and forensic applications, is a valuable resource for harmonization, spectral library growth, and automated annotation. Moreover, the compiled reference database of chromatographic conditions serves as a unique tool for method development in the community.
Nucleotide analogues (NAs) have been successfully used for the treatment of various RNA virus infections by selectively targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for incorporation into the viral genome. However two major families of human-infecting RNA viruses, Coronaviridae (CoV) and Arenaviridae, encode exonuclease domains that may recognize and remove incorporated NAs, thus providing natural resistance against some of these drugs. Both polymerization and excision reactions are mechanistically centered on the nucleotide α-phosphate, enabling the potential for sequential inhibition of both RNA synthesis and repair. Here, we provide structural evidence of inversion of configuration at the phosphorus center during polymerization, demonstrating that the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp proceeds through an SN2 mechanism. A 2.39 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of a ternary replication complex bound to RNA and an α-thio-modified NTP shows that incorporation of the preferred SP isomer at the 3' end of the RNA yields a phosphorothioate linkage in the RP configuration. This RP-phosphorothioate RNA product shows reduced cleavage by both the SARS-CoV-2 and three arenavirus RNA exonucleases, revealing a stereochemical preference opposite to that of structurally related DNA exonucleases. This observation contradicts the prevailing assumption that sulfur substitution at the metal-coordinating oxygen universally blocks catalysis. Instead, RNA exonuclease stereoselectivity appears to be shaped not only by metal-sulfur interactions but also by the geometry of nucleophile activation. These findings provide mechanistic insights into phosphoryl transfer in viral polymerases and exonucleases and highlight opportunities to counteract intrinsic nuclease-mediated resistance against antiviral nucleotide analogues.
Microplastics (MPs) provide persistent substrates facilitating microbial transport across ecosystems. Since most marine plastic debris originates from land and are transported through rivers, a key concern is the dispersal of freshwater fungi into marine environments. Here, we characterized fungal communities colonizing MPs and immersed pristine microplastics (pMPs), as well as those in the surrounding waters, along the river-to-sea continuum in nine major European rivers during the Tara Microplastics expedition. DNA metabarcoding of the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene showed fungi representing 4.6% of the total sequence reads and 6.2% of total richness among microeukaryotes, ranking in the top five microeukaryotic groups. Distinct fungal communities on MPs and pMPs compared to surrounding waters highlight clear differentiation between plastic-associated and ambient fungi in both marine and freshwater systems. Artificially immersed pMPs (1 month) resembled ambient water communities more than floating MPs. The latter exhibited high variability in fungal composition, suggesting complex and heterogeneous colonization patterns along the river-to-sea continuum. We also revealed a clear gradient in fungal community structure from freshwater to marine environments, with strong but incomplete segregation of plastisphere composition. Putative pathogenic fungi appeared enriched on MPs exclusively in freshwater, supporting limited transfer of these taxa toward marine-influenced environments.
The PARTNER trials played a key role in the expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), shaping international practice guidelines. We assessed the evolution of AS management in France between 2010 and 2022, and the impact of PARTNER trials and European guideline updates on TAVR use. Characteristics of patients, facilities and TAVR valves, and post-procedure events were also described. We conducted a nationwide cohort study using the French Health Data System (SNDS), including patients aged 18 years or older hospitalized for AS and receiving a first TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) from 2010 to 2022. ARIMA models were used to study the impact of PARTNER trials and European guideline updates on TAVR use. Among 255,453 procedures, 109,739 were TAVR (N2010: 1,389; N2022: 16,770). No significant change in the proportion of TAVR was associated with PARTNER trials or European guideline updates (p ≥ 0.125). Median age and EuroSCORE II proxy were 83.0 years and 2.2 in TAVR group and 72.0 years and 1.4 in SAVR group. Approximately 60% of the TAVR and SAVR procedures were performed in public facilities. Latest valve generations replaced progressively earlier ones, with 62.5% being balloon-expandable. Mortality decreased over time in both groups, while length of stay and intensive care unit admissions decreased only in TAVR group. This 13-year nationwide overview highlights the growing uptake of TAVR in France, likely driven by clinical practice and procedural innovation rather than guidelines. Further analyses will compare efficacy and safety between TAVR and SAVR.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a prevalent but underdiagnosed pathology. Soluble CD146 (sCD146) was described as a marker of endothelial dysfunction and vascular congestion. We hypothesize that sCD146 may represent a novel biomarker of PAD. Our objective was to evaluate the association between plasma sCD146 levels and the occurrence and severity of PAD. In this case-control study, 184 Caucasian men with symptomatic PAD were compared to 163 age-matched healthy control patients. PAD diagnosis was confirmed using ankle-brachial index (ABI) and imaging. Plasma sCD146 was quantified using ELISA. Associations with clinical and biochemical parameters were analyzed through multivariable logistic regression models. sCD146 level was significantly reduced in PAD patients (mean [95% CI]: 288 ng/mL [269-306]) versus control patients (480 ng/mL [460-500], p < 0.0001). A 10 ng/mL decrease in sCD146 was associated with an age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.17 (95% CI 1.13-1.22) for PAD, increasing to OR 1.25 (95% CI 1.14-1.36, p < 0.0001) after adjustment for risk factors. sCD146 was not associated with PAD severity (by Fontaine stage). Notably, the association between sCD146 and HDL-C was positively correlated in controls (β = 0.220, p = 0.005), but negatively correlated in PAD patients (β = - 0.156, p = 0.041), with significant interaction (p = 0.002). Age-adjusted OR for PAD was highest in individuals with high HDL-C tertiles (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.22-1.63). A lower sCD146 concentration is independently associated with PAD. Additionally, an inverse relationship was observed between HDL-C and these patients. These findings suggest that sCD146 may reflect impaired endothelial homeostasis and metabolic dysregulation in PAD, indicating that it could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for the pathology. NCT00377897.
Mining the rare earth elements (REEs), critical minerals important in technological applications, introduces concerns regarding the release of airborne REEs and associated radionuclides (U, Th) to surface environments. Despite expanding REE mining development, atmospheric REE sources and depositional pathways remain poorly characterized, particularly in northern regions lacking pre-disturbance baseline data. To establish a biomonitoring framework in the Canadian subarctic (Nunavik, Quebec), we analyzed 50 elements in two dominant fruticose taxa (Cladonia stellaris, Stereocaulon paschale) and soil substrate over six sampling years prior to REE mining. Mixed-effects models revealed significant spatial variability in elemental concentrations (∼40-90%), with species effects predominantly emerging among essential nutrients (Cu, K, Mn, Rb, S, Zn). Lichen-soil relationships indicated REE bioaccumulation was independent of underlying soil geochemistry and instead co-varied with radionuclides (U, Th) and lithogenic elements (Al, Fe, Ti, V, Co), characteristic of regional to long-range geogenic atmospheric transport, likely facilitated by wind erosion across the subarctic landscape. Near localized pollution sources, C. stellaris exhibited distance-based gradients in Ba and REEs within 1 km and captured As, Pb, Cd, and Cr enrichments 10-times background levels, indicating limited anthropogenic inputs consistent with transport emissions, waste incineration, and road dust resuspension. Washed samples retained the majority of REEs, suggesting accumulated REEs are strongly surface-bound or partially internalized, rather than loosely adsorbed. These results establish dominant subarctic lichens as effective atmospheric biomonitors, providing a pre-disturbance geogenic baseline and demonstrating their application to evaluating the potential mobilization of airborne contaminants, including REEs, U, and Th, surrounding future mining activities.
The delta opioid receptor (DOR) has been a focus of research for the treatment of depression and certain pain disorders. Unfortunately, clinical translation of delta opioid agonists to humans has proved challenging partly because of their propensity to cause convulsions at higher doses. The discovery that the DOR can be allosterically modulated has opened the possibility of developing compounds that may be able to produce some of the positive therapeutic effects, either as standalone treatments to enhance the action of endogenous opioid peptides or as sparing agents allowing the use of lower doses of DOR agonists, which could reduce the chance of inducing convulsions. BMS-986187 is a positive allosteric modulator of DOR. The behavioral effects of BMS-986187 related to depression and pain have not been investigated. In this study, we examined the impact of BMS-986187 on DOR-mediated antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test, antinociceptive and antiallodynic actions and propensity to cause convulsions. BMS-986187 (1 mg/kg) showed antidepressant-like effects when administered alone, but did not produce convulsions. BMS-986187 (10 mg/kg) also enhanced the antinociceptive and antiallodynic effects of the standard DOR agonist SNC80, with only a very minor effect on SNC80-mediated convulsions. The results suggest the development of positive modulators of DOR for the management of pain and/or depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The delta opioid receptor (DOR) has been suggested as a target to treat depression and pain. However, agonists at this receptor can cause convulsions. This study demonstrates that a positive allosteric modulator of DOR administered alone reduces depression-like behaviors and, in combination with a DOR agonist, shows robust pain-relieving actions, without convulsive effects. This suggests a novel and safe treatment for depression and/or pain.
Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH) is a common monogenic disorder conferring markedly increased cardiovascular risk. While short-read next-generation sequencing (NGS) efficiently detects small nucleotide variants, it often misses mobile element insertions (MEIs), recently recognized as an additional pathogenic mechanism in LDLR-related ADH. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the contribution of MEIs to ADH in a large, well-characterized cohort. NGS data from 2393 unrelated probands were retrospectively screened for MEIs using MELT software. Candidate variants were confirmed by orthogonal sequencing, and their functional consequences on LDLR promoter activity were assessed through luciferase assays. MELT initially identified LDLR MEIs in 2 out of 2393 subjects with suspicion of ADH (0.08%). Validation revealed one false-positive event corresponding to a 3.96 kb tandem duplication within an Alu-rich region (exons 13-14). The second variant, an AluYb8b1 insertion in the 5'UTR (c.-660_-659insAluYb8b1), was confirmed, leading to an adjusted prevalence of 1/2393 (0.04%). This second variant was not present in population databases, and segregation analysis remained inconclusive. Functional assays showed no measurable impact on transcriptional activity, classifying this MEI as a variant of uncertain significance. Although extremely rare, LDLR MEIs can occur in ADH and may be informative in patients negative after standard genetic testing. Optimized pipelines for MEI detection could refine molecular diagnosis.
Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomere elongation mechanism activated during oncogenesis and primarily acting in tumors of mesenchymal origin. Although the proteins involved in the machinery enabling ALT to elongate telomeres are becoming better understood, the underlying biology of this mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we took advantage of a fully characterized cohort of 98 leiomyosarcomas (LMS) from the French Sarcoma Group to further our understanding of the ALT mechanism. We first compared the transcriptomic profiles of ALT+ and TERT+ LMS and demonstrated a strong enrichment of the CINSARC signature in ALT+ tumors. The establishment of an ALT+-related signature in these LMS confirmed the close association between CINSARC and ALT in two additional cohorts of non-translocation-related sarcomas. In vitro mesenchymal models of spontaneous ALT induction showed increased CINSARC expression following acquisition of the ALT mechanism. Conversely, ALT inactivation, through BLM inhibition, led to decreased CINSARC expression. These results establish CINSARC as a new hallmark of the ALT mechanism in non-translocation-related sarcomas and demonstrate the association of a cellular biological process with the CINSARC prognostic signature, namely the ALT mechanism.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), highly enriched in platelets, contributes to vascular integrity and thrombotic responses. The rs11030119 variant, located in a BDNF intronic enhancer, has been linked to stroke recovery, but its influence on peripheral BDNF dynamics and hemostasis remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of rs11030119 on circulating levels of BDNF, and its subsequent effects on thrombus formation. Twenty-six healthy individuals homozygous for either the GG or AA genotype of rs11030119 were matched for age and sex. BDNF and proBDNF levels were quantified in serum, plasma, and platelets. Platelet aggregation, ATP secretion, thrombin generation, and clot firmness were assessed. Washed platelets were also tested with recombinant BDNF. AA carriers displayed significantly lower plasma and serum BDNF levels and diminished BDNF release upon activation, despite comparable platelet BDNF content. The expression of its receptor, TrkB, on the platelet surface was also reduced in AA carriers. However, platelet reactivity, thrombin generation, and viscoelastic clot properties were preserved across genotypes. In conclusion, rs11030119 modulates circulating and platelet-releasable BDNF without impairing hemostatic function, suggesting that BDNF bioavailability may not directly correlate with thrombotic potential. These findings uncover a novel genetic mechanism controlling platelet-derived neurotrophin output.
Kelp forests are among the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, yet they are currently facing unprecedented degradation and decline. In Europe, the conservation of these key ecosystems has historically relied on a plethora of disconnected national policies and passive protection, and they have frequently been underrepresented in governance frameworks. The recent adoption of the European Union Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) represents a transformative shift, establishing the first legally binding targets for large-scale conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems shared by European Union members. Here, we discuss the challenges and opportunities that the NRR presents for European kelp forests and associated ecosystem services across Europe. As the NRR sets ambitious mandates for mapping habitats, condition assessments, and restoration by 2030-2050, its success depends on overcoming existing data gaps as well as on financial and technical challenges. We highlight how the NRR provides a valuable instrument to initiate immediate action across regions, and we propose a set of priority actions to achieve the NRR targets and address current scientific gaps. We emphasize the need for transboundary harmonization of monitoring protocols and methods for establishing reference areas for healthy kelp forests, the development of high-resolution maps for habitat distribution and condition, the establishment of clear-cut criteria for identifying resilient restoration areas (i.e., priority sites capable of achieving and maintaining favourable conservation status under NRR targets), and the development of standardized condition indicators (e.g., canopy density, indicator species) to assess "good condition" across different ecoregions. By linking legal requirements with science-based strategies, the NRR provides an opportunity to finally integrate kelp forests into European marine governance and achieve long-term sustainability for these critical ecosystems.
Chitosan-based adsorbents have drawn considerable attention due to their effective removal of hazardous pollutants, such as heavy metal ions, microplastics, and organic pollutants, including phenols, dyes, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. However, the practical application of chitosan is limited by its relatively low adsorption capacity, poor mechanical properties, and susceptibility to dissolution in acidic solutions. Therefore, chitosan is commonly modified using different techniques, including chemical and physical approaches, or combined with other adsorbent materials to enhance its structural stability and adsorption properties. Chitosan has been integrated with various materials, including natural polymers (e.g., cellulose, chitin/chitosan, starch, alginate), clay minerals (e.g., perlite and montmorillonite), inorganic materials (e.g., zeolite, metal oxides, and metal-organic frameworks), and carbonaceous materials (e.g., graphene oxide, activated carbon, biochar, and carbon nanotubes). Among these, carbonaceous materials are promising materials, due to their high surface area, porosity, and stability, which significantly improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical properties, as well as adsorption capacity. This review focuses on chitosan-based carbonaceous composite materials as adsorbents and covers several aspects, including their synthesis methods, structural and surface characteristics, mechanical properties, and adsorption performance as well as their applications in wastewater treatment, particularly for the removal heavy metals, dyes, organic pollutants (such as oil, fertilizers, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals), nuclear wastes, and pathogenic microoganisms.
Salmonella enterica comprises numerous serovars with distinct host ranges and disease outcomes. Among them, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Its ability to persist both in the environment and within the host gastrointestinal tract is largely attributed to biofilm formation. In contrast, the human-restricted pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) primarily forms biofilm in the gallbladder during chronic infection. These differences suggest that the two serovars are exposed and respond to distinct environmental cues. Curli fimbriae are key components of the biofilm matrix, contributing to initial surface adhesion and structural stability. In this review, we examine the regulation of curli fimbriae (csg operons) in S. Typhimurium, incorporating recent advances in the field, and compare these mechanisms with new insights concerning regulation in S. Typhi. Comparative analyses highlight significant differences in csg expression and regulatory pathways between the two serovars. All two-component systems known to influence curli expression carry mutations in active protein domains in S. Typhi. This is also true for diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases, with some exhibiting important modifications in S. Typhi, including truncation and insertion. Such polymorphisms could contribute to variation in the curli regulatory pathway and may reflect broader mechanisms of host adaptation in S. Typhi. Understanding this regulatory divergence is essential for elucidating host specificity and the distinct pathogenic strategies of S. Typhi related to biofilm formation.
The management of oligorecurrent pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer is debated. Intermittent androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT; IADT) is often proposed. Elective pelvis irradiation (ENRT) may prolong tumor control and decrease subsequent spread. To assess the efficacy of a combination of 6 mo of IADT with or without ENRT to treat patients with oligorecurrent pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes of prostate cancer. The OLIGOPELVIS 2-GETUG P12 trial is a multicenter randomized phase 3 trial, randomizing patients with 1-5 oligorecurrent pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes of prostate cancer between arm A (IADT alone for 6 mo) versus arm B (salvage pelvic image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IG-IMRT], 54 Gy, 30 fractions to the pelvis and 66 Gy, 30 fractions to the lymph nodes) combined with IADT). The primary outcome is progression-free survival, defined as the time from randomization until a biochemical-clinical failure is detected or death from any cause. In total, 256 patients will be included. In this population of patients requiring ADT, ENRT may demonstrate antitumoral efficacy while achieving acceptable toxicity and maintaining quality of life. Limitations are mainly inherent to the open-label design of this study. This phase 3 study will explore the role of salvage pelvic IG-IMRT combined with IADT in patients with oligorecurrent pelvic lymph nodes of prostate cancer in prolonging the first failure-free interval between the first and the second IADT courses. The OLIGOPELVIS 2-GETUG P12 clinical trial assesses short-term (6 mo) androgen-deprivation therapy in association with external beam radiation therapy in men with prostate cancer relapsing to pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes of prostate cancer. The trial investigates whether radiotherapy targeting pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes can improve the biological response while maintaining a favorable tolerability profile. NCT03630666, RCB 2018-A00551-54, date of registration: 2018-12-04.
Dental enamel proteomics provides access to molecular information from time periods far beyond the reach of ancient DNA, offering a powerful means to investigate evolutionary dynamics in deep time. Here we present the first large-scale enamel proteomic dataset for 55 cave bears to date, analysing fossils spanning the Early to Late Pleistocene across southwestern Europe, including key specimens from Atapuerca sites. Using a non-enzymatic demineralization workflow and LC-MS/MS analysis we consistently recovered rich enamel proteomes and identified taxonomically informative peptides alongside two previously unknown amino acid variations in AMBN-249 and SERPINA1-341 positions. Phylogenetic analyses are consistent with a basal position of Ursus dolinensis within the speleoid clade, providing new molecular evidence relevant to its debated taxonomy. Together, these findings show that enamel proteomes preserve phylogenetic structure and lineage-specific molecular signals, highlighting the potential of palaeoproteomics to inform evolutionary relationships within the speleoid clade across the Pleistocene.
Biomass and abundance data are critical for ecosystem monitoring and management of fish populations, yet their acquisition represents a growing challenge as anthropogenic pressures intensify the need for monitoring. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to provide cost-effective biomass and abundance estimations, but its high molecular stability makes it prone to false positives. By contrast, environmental RNA (eRNA) has a faster turnover rate, potentially increasing spatio-temporal resolution and reducing false positives. Yet no study to date has explored the potential for eRNA to predict organismal biomass and abundance in nature. We compared eDNA and eRNA markers with different turnover rates to: (1) test if eRNA could be used to predict fish biomass from mark-recapture in lakes, (2) determine the relative capacity of different markers to predict fish biomass (and abundance when considering fish mass distribution) and (3) evaluate if integrating allometrically scaled mass strengthens fish biomass predictions using eRNA. We tested mitochondrial cyt b and nuclear ribosomal 18S markers on eRNA and eDNA samples. Concentrations of all markers were positively correlated with fish biomass. However, the eRNA markers (mRNA cyt b and rRNA 18S) generally had stronger relationships with fish biomass than eDNA (mtDNA cyt b and nuDNA 18S). This was especially the case for the potentially faster degrading mRNA cyt b marker that resolved differences amongst lakes in biomass and abundance that the other markers did not. Unlike for eDNA, relationships between eRNA concentration and fish biomass were not strengthened by allometric scaling. Our results show the strong potential of eRNA as a molecular tool for population biomass and abundance estimation in aquatic ecosystems.
Bone marrow biopsy is essential for myeloproliferative neoplasms diagnosis, particularly for assessing bone marrow fibrosis. However, it is an invasive procedure that can be difficult to perform in some patients. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model (FIBOM-AI) to predict grade 2-3 fibrosis using complete blood count (CBC) data and age. In this machine learning model, histopathological and CBC data from patients (no age restriction) undergoing bone marrow biopsies, performed either at diagnosis or during follow-up for suspected or established myeloproliferative neoplasm, were retrospectively collected across 13 French university hospitals. 27 CBC variables and patient age at biopsy were used as predictors. Data from six independent centres were used for model development and the remaining seven centres were used for external validation. The primary outcome was grade 2-3 fibrosis as a binary endpoint. Nine algorithms were trained using 10-fold cross validation. The final model was evaluated in a real-life prospective setting on all bone marrow biopsies performed in four French centres and one Canadian centre. To guide clinical decisions, two different predictions based on the final model were set: an overall prediction, maximising the overall accuracy of the model, and a confident prediction, maximising either sensitivity (rule-out) or specificity (rule-in). Between Jan 1, 2014, and Dec 31, 2023, 1995 patients from 13 centres were included in the retrospective cohort; the median age was 62·0 years (IQR 50·0-71·0), 1062 (53·2%) were male, and 933 (46·8%) were female. Between Jan 1, 2024, and Dec 31, 2024, 493 patients from five centres were included in the prospective cohort; the median age was 65·0 years (IQR 53·6-73·0), 297 (60·2%) were male, and 196 (39·8%) were female. The Extreme Gradient Boosting model had the best performance, with an area under the curve of 0·96 (95% CI 0·95-0·97), 0·90 (0·85-0·95), and 0·92 (0·90-0·95) on the training, testing, and validation sets, respectively. The final accuracy was 88·1%, 87·0%, and 88·6% for the overall predictions and 99·5%, 94·5%, and 96·9% for the confident predictions in the training, testing, and validation sets, respectively. Prospective evaluation showed an accuracy of 85·2% (range 82·0-87·3) for the overall predictions and 98·6% (96·0-100·0) for the confident predictions. FIBOM-AI can be reliably used as a triage and prioritisation tool to support timely bone marrow evaluation or provide complementary risk assessment when bone marrow biopsy is not immediately feasible. None.