Impaired Brown midrib12 function orchestrates sorghum resistance to aphids via an auxin conjugate indole-3-acetic acid-aspartic acid.

Lignin, a complex heterogenous polymer present in virtually all plant cell walls, plays a critical role in protecting plants from various stresses. However, little is known about how lignin modifications in sorghum will impact plant defense against sugarcane aphids (SCA), a key pest of sorghum. We utilized the sorghum brown midrib (bmr) mutants, which are impaired in monolignol synthesis, to understand sorghum defense mechanisms against SCA. We found that loss of Bmr12 function and overexpression (OE) of Bmr12 provided enhanced resistance and susceptibility to SCA, respectively, as compared with wild-type (WT; RTx430) plants. Monitoring of the aphid feeding behavior indicated that SCA spent more time in reaching the first sieve element phase on bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12-OE plants. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that bmr12 plants displayed altered auxin metabolism upon SCA infestation and specifically, elevated levels of auxin conjugate indole-3-acetic acid-aspartic acid (IAA-Asp) were observed in bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12-OE plants. Furthermore, exogenous application of IAA-Asp restored resistance in Bmr12-OE plants, and artificial diet aphid feeding trial bioassays revealed that IAA-Asp is associated with enhanced resistance to SCA. Our findings highlight the molecular underpinnings that contribute to sorghum bmr12-mediated resistance to SCA.

Updates in non-neoplastic orthopaedic pathology: what you don't know can hurt you!

Even though the average surgical pathologist reviews far more non-neoplastic orthopaedic pathology on a daily basis, most current research focuses on rare tumours and their even less frequent molecular events. Our experiences among consults and focused conferences strongly suggest that there remains a practice gap regarding knowledge and diagnosing specific non-neoplastic orthopaedic conditions. One of the most frequent intraoperative consultations performed in the USA, among both academic and private institutions, relates to revision arthroplasty and the determination of infection in periprosthetic joints. Pathologists play a critical role in this algorithm, helping determine intraoperatively whether patients require antibiotic spacers prior to reimplantation. Many pathology departments have abandoned the examination of arthroplasty specimens because they (and their surgeons) mistakenly believe there is little clinically relevant information to be gained by thorough pathological examination. However, recent literature has challenged this concept, emphasising the importance of distinguishing avascular necrosis (from osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease with secondary osteonecrosis), subchondral insufficiency fracture, septic arthritis (from so-called 'sterile' osteomyelitis/pseudoabscesses), underlying crystalline diseases and incidental/occult neoplasia. Histological evaluation of historically insignificant orthopaedic specimens, such as tenosynovium from carpal tunnel syndrome/trigger finger, is now seen as valuable in early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. Not infrequently, orthopaedic conditions like haemosiderotic synovitis, osteocartilaginous loose bodies or rheumatoid nodules, may histologically mimic bona fide neoplasms, notably diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumour, synovial chondromatosis and epithelioid sarcoma, respectively. Here is a review of the more common non-neoplastic orthopaedic conditions, those likely to be examined by the practising surgical pathologist, with updates and guidelines for establishing clinically relevant diagnoses.

Is choice of approach associated with risk of avascular necrosis in pediatric septic hip?

Purpose: Septic arthritis of the hip in children and adolescents is a common condition requiring timely diagnosis and intervention. Surgical irrigation and debridement is typically performed through the anterior approach because of concerns about injury to the medial femoral circumflex artery leading to avascular necrosis. While there are multiple studies investigating the sequelae of anterior and medial approaches for reduction of developmental dislocation of the hip, none have compared these approaches for the pediatric septic hip. We hypothesize that there will be no significant difference in the rate of avascular necrosis when comparing the medial and anterior approaches to the septic hip in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of pediatric septic hips treated with irrigation and debridement through either a medial or anterior approach at a single institution over an 18-year period of time. The primary outcome measure was the development of avascular necrosis. Results: Thirteen of 164 patients (7.9%) developed avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis was noted in 9 of 101 patients who had anterior approach and 4 of 63 patients who underwent medial approach (p = 0.76). The average age for patients developing avascular necrosis was 10.0 years old versus 6.8 years old in patients who did not develop avascular necrosis (p = 0.01). The average follow-up was 3.3 years in patients with avascular necrosis versus 1.5 years for patients who did not develop avascular necrosis (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Medial approach to the pediatric septic hip does not increase the rate of avascular necrosis compared to the anterior approach. Level of evidence: Retrospective comparison study, Level III.

Neural pathways associated with reduced rigidity during pallidal deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) can markedly reduce muscle rigidity in people with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the mechanisms mediating this effect are poorly understood. Computational modeling of DBS provides a method to estimate the relative contributions of neural pathway activations to changes in outcomes. In this study, we generated patient-specific biophysical models of GPi DBS (derived from individual 7T MRI) - including pallidal efferent, putamenal efferent and internal capsule pathways - to investigate how activation of neural pathways contributed to changes in forearm rigidity in PD. Ten individuals (17 arms) were tested off medication under four conditions: off stimulation, on clinically optimized stimulation, and on stimulation specifically targeting the dorsal GPi or ventral GPi. Quantitative measures of forearm rigidity, with and without a contralateral activation maneuver, were obtained using a robotic manipulandum. Clinically optimized GPi DBS settings significantly reduced forearm rigidity (p < 0.001), which aligned with GPi efferent fiber activation. The model demonstrated that GPi efferent axons could be activated at any location along the GPi dorsal-ventral axis. These results provide evidence that rigidity reduction produced by GPi DBS is mediated by preferential activation of GPi efferents to the thalamus, likely leading to a reduction in excitability of the muscle stretch reflex via overdriving pallidofugal output.

Reproductive Capabilities of Female Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Southern Texas.

Free-ranging nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) are an understudied species, both on their native ranges of India, Pakistan, and Nepal and on their introduced ranges in southern Texas. Basic data related to population sizes, survival, reproduction, and recruitment are needed throughout their range to inform management and conservation decisions. We collected nilgai fetuses from 3 ranches in southern Texas, including East Foundation's El Sauz and Santa Rosa ranches, and the Norias Division of the King Ranch® from 2018-2021. We calculated the percentage of individuals that were pregnant in each of the sample years and overall. We determined monthly average, maximum, and minimum fetus length. Of 488 nilgai cows, we found 386 to be pregnant (79%) and 214 to be pregnant with twins (56%). We found nilgai cows as young as 1-year old to have fetuses and therefore to have reached sexual maturity. Sex ratios of fetuses during any sampling year did not differ. We found ample evidence supporting our hypothesis that nilgai are fecund on their introduced range of southern Texas. To prevent nilgai overpopulation and associated problems, harvest management strategies should be implemented, specifically on nilgai cows.

Bovine H5N1 influenza virus binds poorly to human-type sialic acid receptors.

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) viruses started circulating widely in lactating dairy cattle in the United States at the end of 2023. Avian influenza viruses enter cells after binding to glycan receptors with terminally linked α2-3 sialic acid, whereas human influenza viruses typically bind to glycan receptors terminally linked α2-6 sialic acid in the upper respiratory tract. Here, we evaluated the receptor binding properties of hemagglutinin (HA) trimers from a clade 2.3.4.4b avian isolate (A/American Wigeon/South Carolina/22-000345-001/2021) and a cattle isolate (A/dairy cattle/Texas/24-008749-002-v/2024). Using two different methods, we found that both of the 2.3.4.4b H5s bound efficiently to glycan receptors with terminally linked α2-3 sialic acid with no detectable binding to glycan receptors with terminally linked α2-6 sialic acid. Our data suggest that clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses bind poorly to human receptors. It will be important to continue evaluating receptor binding properties of these viruses as they evolve in cattle.

Apixaban vs Aspirin in Patients With Cancer and Cryptogenic Stroke: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ARCADIA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Approximately 10% to 15% of ischemic strokes are associated with cancer; cancer-associated stroke, particularly when cryptogenic, is associated with high rates of recurrent stroke and major bleeding. Limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of different antithrombotic strategies in patients with cancer and cryptogenic stroke. Objective: To compare apixaban vs aspirin for the prevention of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with history of cancer and cryptogenic stroke. Design, Setting, and Participants: Post hoc analysis of data from 1015 patients with a recent cryptogenic stroke and biomarker evidence of atrial cardiopathy in the Atrial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs in Prevention After Cryptogenic Stroke (ARCADIA) trial, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted from 2018 to 2023 at 185 stroke centers in North America. Data analysis was performed from October 15, 2023, to May 23, 2024. Exposures: Oral apixaban, 5 mg (or 2.5 mg if criteria met), twice daily vs oral aspirin, 81 mg, once daily. Subgroups of patients with and without cancer at baseline were examined. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome for this post hoc analysis was a composite of major ischemic or major hemorrhagic events. Major ischemic events were recurrent ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Major hemorrhagic events included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and any major extracranial hemorrhage. Results: Among 1015 participants (median [IQR] age, 68 [60-76] years; 551 [54.3%] female), 137 (13.5%) had a history of cancer. The median (IQR) follow-up was 1.5 (0.6-2.5) years for patients with history of cancer and 1.5 (0.6-3.0) years for those without history of cancer. Participants with history of cancer, compared with those without history of cancer, had a higher risk of major ischemic or major hemorrhagic events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10-2.71). Among those with history of cancer, 8 of 61 participants (13.1%) randomized to apixaban and 16 of 76 participants (21.1%) randomized to aspirin had a major ischemic or major hemorrhagic event; however, the risk was not significantly different between groups (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.26-1.43). Comparing participants randomized to apixaban vs aspirin among those with cancer, events included recurrent stroke (5 [8.2%] vs 9 [11.8%]), major ischemic events (7 [11.5%] vs 14 [18.4%]), and major hemorrhagic events (1 [1.6%] vs 2 [2.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance: Among participants in the ARCADIA trial with history of cancer, the risk of major ischemic and hemorrhagic events did not differ significantly with apixaban compared with aspirin. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03192215.

Potential for high-grade recovery of rare earth elements and cobalt from acid mine drainage via adsorption to precipitated manganese (IV) oxides.

High demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has increased interest in their recovery from unconventional sources, such as acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD contains elevated concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Al, which precipitate as (oxy)hydroxide minerals as pH is raised. These precipitates can remove cations including REEs and Co from solution via sorption and/or coprecipitation. In this study we developed a method to recover these critical minerals by sorption to MnO2, precipitated by oxidation of in situ Mn (II) with added KMnO4 at acidic pH. MnO2 solids were prepared with varying concentrations of KMnO4, SO42-, and Cl-, to elucidate the effects of excess KMnO4, SO42- concentration, and ionic strength on adsorption. When using a stoichiometric ratio of Mn (II) and KMnO4, 100% removal of REEs and Co occurred at approximately pH 3.5, nearly 2 pH units lower than was observed by sorption to Fe and Al hydroxysulfates. When using excess KMnO4 nearly 100% removal of REEs and Co was accomplished at approximately pH 2, although SO42- was found to inhibit REE sorption. From these results, we developed a two-stage process for recovery of REEs from AMD; a preliminary pH adjustment to remove Fe and Al hydroxy-sulfates, followed by adding KMnO4, precipitating MnO2, enabling recovery of REEs and Co. We tested this process in a representative synthetic AMD, achieving a grade of 6.16 mg REEs per g of solid, which is 65 % of the maximum possible grade based on solution composition. Fractionation of REEs was observed, with light REEs (LREEs) preferentially sorbed to MnO2 relative to both medium REEs (MREEs) and heavy REEs (HREEs). In contrast, preferential sorption of HREEs was observed for sorption to Fe and Al oxyhydroxides at all pH ranges. These results suggest the mechanisms of REE sorption differ among the solids and warrant further study.

Phylogenetic structure of moth communities (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) along a complete rainforest elevational gradient in Papua New Guinea.

We use community phylogenetics to elucidate the community assembly mechanisms for Geometridae moths (Lepidoptera) collected along a complete rainforest elevational gradient (200-3700 m a.s.l) on Mount Wilhelm in Papua New Guinea. A constrained phylogeny based on COI barcodes for 604 species was used to analyse 1390 species x elevation occurrences at eight elevational sites separated by 500 m elevation increments. We obtained Nearest Relatedness Index (NRI), Nearest Taxon Index (NTI) and Standardised Effect Size of Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity (SES.PD) and regressed these on temperature, plant species richness and predator abundance as key abiotic and biotic predictors. We also quantified beta diversity in the moth communities between elevations using the Phylogenetic Sorensen index. Overall, geometrid communities exhibited phylogenetic clustering, suggesting environmental filters, particularly at higher elevations at and above 2200 m a.s.l and no evidence of overdispersion. NRI, NTI and SES.PD showed no consistent trends with elevation or the studied biotic and abiotic variables. Change in community structure was driven by turnover of phylogenetic beta-diversity, except for the highest 2700-3200 m elevations, which were characterised by nested subsets of lower elevation communities. Overall, the elevational signal of geometrid phylogeny was weak-moderate. Additional insect community phylogeny studies are needed to understand this pattern.

Interleukin-21 engineering enhances NK cell activity against glioblastoma via CEBPD.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with limited therapeutic options. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with strong anti-tumor activity and may offer a promising treatment strategy for GBM. We compared the anti-GBM activity of NK cells engineered to express interleukin (IL)-15 or IL-21. Using multiple in vivo models, IL-21 NK cells were superior to IL-15 NK cells both in terms of safety and long-term anti-tumor activity, with locoregionally administered IL-15 NK cells proving toxic and ineffective at tumor control. IL-21 NK cells displayed a unique chromatin accessibility signature, with CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP), especially CEBPD, serving as key transcription factors regulating their enhanced function. Deletion of CEBPD resulted in loss of IL-21 NK cell potency while its overexpression increased NK cell long-term cytotoxicity and metabolic fitness. These results suggest that IL-21, through C/EBP transcription factors, drives epigenetic reprogramming of NK cells, enhancing their anti-tumor efficacy against GBM.

Acute Myocardial Injury in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Secondary Observational Analysis of the FAST Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial injury is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but its prognostic significance in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear. We investigated whether acute myocardial injury and the direction of the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) change (rising versus falling) affect post-intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We re-analyzed the FAST (Factor-Seven-for-Acute-Hemorrhagic-Stroke) trial. Acute myocardial injury was defined as at least 1 cTnI value above the upper reference limit with a rise/fall of >20%. Logistic regression tested for associations (1) between acute myocardial injury (presence versus absence) and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 4-6) and mortality at 15 and 90 days; (2) among 3 groups (rising versus falling versus no acute myocardial injury) and outcomes. Among the 841 FAST participants, 785 patients were included. Acute myocardial injury was detected in 29% (n=227); 170 had rising cTnI. At 15 and 90 days, respectively, those with acute myocardial injury had higher odds of poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio) ([aOR] 2.3 [95% CI, 1.3-3.9]); and adjusted odds ratio 2.5 [95% CI, 1.6-3.9];, and higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4-4.3]; and adjusted odds ratio 2.2 [CI, 1.3-3.6]) than patients without. There was no interaction between FAST group assignment and myocardial injury, and associations between myocardial injury and outcomes were consistent across group assignments. Rising cTnI was associated with the highest risk of poor outcomes and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this secondary analysis of the FAST trial, acute myocardial injury was common and associated with poor outcomes. The direction of the cTnI change might provide additional risk stratification after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Influenza virus antibodies inhibit antigen-specific de novo B cell responses in mice.

Antibody responses to influenza vaccines tend to be focused on epitopes encountered during prior influenza exposures, with little production of de novo responses to novel epitopes. To examine the contribution of circulating antibodies to this phenomenon, we passively transferred a hemagglutinin (HA)-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) into mice before immunizing with whole inactivated virions. The HA mAb inhibited de novo HA-specific antibodies, plasmablasts, germinal center B cells, and memory B cells, while responses to a second antigen in the vaccine, neuraminidase (NA), were uninhibited. The HA mAb potently inhibited de novo antibody responses against epitopes near the HA mAb binding site. The HA mAb also promoted IgG1 class switching, an effect that, unlike the inhibition of HA responses, relied on signaling through Fc-gamma receptors. These studies suggest that circulating antibodies inhibit de novo B cell responses in an antigen-specific manner, which likely contributes to differences in antibody specificities elicited during primary and secondary influenza virus exposures.IMPORTANCEMost humans are exposed to influenza viruses in childhood and then subsequently exposed to antigenically drifted influenza variants later in life. It is unclear if antibodies elicited by earlier influenza virus exposures impact immunity against new influenza virus strains. Here, we used a mouse model to investigate how an anti-hemagglutinin (HA) monoclonal antibody (mAb) affects de novo B cell and antibody responses to the protein targeted by the monoclonal antibody (HA) and a second protein not targeted by the monoclonal antibody [neuraminidase (NA)]. Collectively, our studies suggest that circulating anti-influenza virus antibodies can potently modulate the magnitude and specificity of antibody responses elicited by secondary influenza virus exposures.

Incorporating a weight-of-evidence approach into a tiered assessment for chemicals management, with emphasis on program development and applications in developing countries and emerging economies.

A flexible approach is described for incorporating a weight-of-evidence (WoE) methodology into a tiered ecological risk assessment (ERA)/management framework for chemicals. The approach is oriented toward informing decisions about chemicals. Communication is regarded as a critical component of the risk assessment process. The paper resulted from insights gained from seven ERA workshops held by SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, www.setac.org) in the Asia-Pacific, African, and Latin American regions. Formal ERA methods are not fully developed or applied in many of these countries and assessments often begin with tables of risk values and test methods from countries where ERA is already implemented. While appropriate and sometimes necessary, workshop participants had questions about the reliability and relevance of using this information for regionally specific ecosystems with different receptors, fate processes, and exposure characteristics. The idea that an assessment of reliability and relevance of available information and the need for additional information was necessary at an early stage of the assessment process was considered. The judgment of reliability and relevance is central to WoE approaches along with the identification of information needs and the integration of such information. The need to engage in WoE considerations early and throughout the assessment process indicates that a tiered approach is appropriate for unifying the evaluation process in a consistent way from early screening-level steps to later more involved evaluations. The approach outlined in this article is complementary to WoE guidance developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and many national guidance documents. To link assessments of risk to management decisions, emphasis is given to communications at each tier between the risk assessor (technical side) and the decision-makers (policy and regulatory side). Tools and information sources are suggested for each tier and suggestions are meant to be illustrative and not prescriptive. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-15. © 2024 SETAC.

Not So Transient?: A Narrative Review on Cognitive Impairment After Transient Ischemic Attack.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is traditionally viewed as a self-resolving episode of neurological change without persistent impairments and without evidence of acute brain injury on neuroimaging. However, emerging evidence suggests that TIA may be associated with lingering cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive impairment is a prevalent and disabling sequela of ischemic stroke, but the clinical relevance of this phenomenon after TIA is less commonly recognized. We performed a literature search of observational studies of cognitive function after TIA. There is a consistent body of literature suggesting that rates of cognitive impairment following TIA are higher than healthy controls, but the studies included here are limited by heterogeneity in design and analysis methods. We go on to summarize recent literature on proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of cognitive impairment following TIA and finally suggest future directions for further research in this field.

Differences by race and ethnicity in drug use patterns, harm reduction practices and barriers to treatment among people who use drugs in Rhode Island.

Background: As in much of the United States, there have been significant increases in overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations in Rhode Island over the past decade. Given the shifting dynamics of the overdose epidemic, there is an urgent need for focused interventions that address the specific needs of diverse communities. This study explores differences in drug use patterns, harm reduction behaviors and types and barriers to treatment by race and ethnicity. Methods: This study utilized baseline data from the Rhode Island Prescription and Illicit Drug Study (RAPIDS). We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, harm reduction practices, treatment type, and barriers to treatment in a cross-sectional analysis of people who use drugs (PWUD), stratified by race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic other race, and Hispanic). Chi-square tests of independence and ANOVA tests were used to identify statistically significant differences by race and ethnicity. Results: Among 509 participants, the median age was 43, and the majority were men (64%). Non-Hispanic Black participants reported significantly less regular use of unregulated opioids, such as heroin (10%) and fentanyl (12%), as compared to non-Hispanic white participants (39% and 33%, respectively). Non-Hispanic Black participants reported significantly less experience responding to overdoses: only 39% had ever administered naloxone and 34% had ever performed rescue breathing, as compared to 67% and 57% among non-Hispanic white participants, respectively. Despite significant differences in drug use patterns, there were few differences in harm reduction practices by race and ethnicity. Current treatment enrollment was highest among those who were non-Hispanic white (38%) and lowest among those who were non-Hispanic Black (7%). Conclusions: These findings suggest that there are differences in overdose response experience and treatment exposure between non-Hispanic Black PWUD and those belonging to other racial and ethnic groups, indicating a need for enhanced investment in overdose response education, naloxone distribution and treatment access for non-Hispanic Black PWUD.

A Fusarium verticillioides MAT1-2 Strain near Isogenic to the Sequenced FGSC7600 Strain for Producing Homozygous Multigene Mutants.

Fungal genetic systems ideally combine molecular tools for genome manipulation and a sexual reproduction system to create an informative assortment of combinations of genomic modifications. When employing the sexual cycle to generate multi-mutants, the background genotype variations in the parents may result in progeny phenotypic variation obscuring the effects of combined mutations. Here, to mitigate this variation in Fusarium verticillioides, we generated a MAT1-2 strain that was near isogenic to the sequenced wild-type MAT1-1 strain, FGSC7600. This was accomplished by crossing FGSC7600 with the divergent wild-type MAT1-2 strain FGSC7603 followed by six sequential backcrosses (e.g., six generations) of MAT1-2 progeny to FGSC7600. We sequenced each generation and mapped recombination events. The parental cross involved twenty-six crossovers on nine of the eleven chromosomes. The dispensable chromosome 12, found in FGSC7603 but lacking in FGSC7600, was not present in the progeny post generation five. Inheritance of complete chromosomes without crossover was frequently observed. A deletion of approximately 140 kilobases, containing 54 predicted genes on chromosome 4, occurred in generation 4 and was retained in generation 5 indicating that these genes are dispensable for growth and both asexual and sexual reproduction. The final MAT1-2 strain TMRU10/35 is about 93% identical to FGSC7600. TMRU10/35 is available from the Fungal Genetics Stock Center as FGSC27326 and from the ARS Culture Collection as NRRL64809.

Switching to e-cigarettes as harm reduction among individuals with chronic disease who currently smoke: Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: E-cigarettes (ECs) may be an effective harm reduction strategy for individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, coronary artery disease (CAD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who smoke combustible cigarettes (CCs). Our aim was to examine how individuals with chronic conditions transition from CCs to ECs and its impact on health outcomes. METHODS: In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients with COPD, asthma, CAD/PAD who currently smoke CCs and have not used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or ECs in the past 14 days were randomized to receive ECs or combination NRT with behavioral counselling. Disease symptoms, acceptability/satisfaction (TSQM-9) and feasibility, and cigarettes per day (CPD), and/or EC use were collected at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. Descriptive statistics and a linear regression were conducted to explore changes in CPD and chronic condition-specific assessments (CAT, SAQ-7, ACT) that assess COPD, asthma, and CAD/PAD symptom change. RESULTS: At 3-months, the EC group (n=63, mean CPD=9±11) reduced their CPD by 54% vs. 60% in the NRT group (n=58, mean CPD=7±6), p=0.56. At 6-months, 17.5% had switched completely to ECs while 23% quit smoking in the NRT arm. CAT scores showed a significant 6-point reduction in the EC arm (p=0.03). Participants scored an average of 69±27 for EC effectiveness, 87±23 for convenience, and 75±27 for overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that ECs may be a safer alternative for chronic condition patients using CCs and warrants further research on expected smoking cessation/reduction among individuals who use ECs. IMPLICATIONS: The findings from this pilot RCT hold significant implications with chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma, CAD and PAD who smoke CCs. The observed reduction in cigarettes per day and improvement in respiratory symptoms suggest that switching to ECs appears feasible and acceptable among those with chronic diseases. These results suggest that ECs may offer an alternative for individuals struggling to quit CC smoking through existing pharmacotherapies. This study supports further exploration of switching to ECs as a harm reduction strategy among CC users who have been unsuccessful at quitting by other means.

Wood ducks and hooded mergansers as interspecific brood parasites: An evaluation of parasitic egg survival.

Conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism are alternate reproductive strategies more pervasive in waterfowl than in any other group of birds. While previous research has measured costs incurred by nest hosts incubating parasitized clutches, few studies have focused on the relative success of parasites. Here, we evaluated the success of wood duck (Aix sponsa) and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) eggs laid parasitically in Louisiana and Mississippi. We monitored nest boxes, assigned eggs in each nest as host or parasitic, and determined the number of eggs that hatched and failed. Across all study areas (1994-1999 and 2020-2023), we monitored 1750 wood duck and 377 hooded merganser nests; ~13% of wood duck and ~24% of hooded merganser nests were interspecifically parasitized. We modeled egg survival of 2925 host and 691 parasitic eggs from 197 successful nests (≥1 hatched egg, regardless of species). Wood duck eggs laid in hooded merganser nests had lower survival [0.293, CI = 95% credible intervals (after, CI) = 0.176, 0.439] than hooded merganser eggs (0.762, CI = 0.704, 0.810) laid in wood duck nests. Clutch size negatively influenced parasitic wood duck egg survival (ß = -.24, CI = -0.39, -0.10) but had a slight positive influence on parasitic hooded merganser eggs (ß = .08, CI = 0.04, 0.12). Our results revealed that hooded merganser eggs experience higher success when laid parasitically in wood duck nests, whereas wood duck eggs experience lower success when laid parasitically in hooded merganser nests. Our results reveal new complexity in waterfowl interspecific brood parasitism, where the success of parasitic eggs is species-, host-, and context-specific.