Journals
2026 EN
Aubert Stéphane · Duchenne François · Tinoco Boris A.
+3 more
Mutualistic interactions support many ecological functions including pollination. Interactions are, however, vulnerable to cheaters, species that benefit from interactions without providing anything in return. Nectar robbing, where the nectar is depleted but the flower not pollinated, is a well‐known example of cheating and often observed in pollination networks. Further, pollinating birds often switch between legitimate (i.e. mutualistic) and nectar robbing flower visits. In this study, we quantify how widespread nectar robbing is at high elevations in the northern Andes using interactions recorded with time‐lapse camera traps. Additionally, we assess the importance of two trait‐based mechanisms in explaining legitimate versus nectar robbing flower visits by birds: trait complementarity, measured as the continuous difference between bird bill and flower tube lengths, and trait barrier, which is a binary assessment of whether a species pair is physically able to interact based on the length difference between the flower tube and the bird bill. Nectar robbing occurred in 7% of the interactions we sampled, and the specialised flowerpiercers ( Diglossa ; Thraupidae) relied on this technique at higher frequencies than hummingbirds (Trochilidae). We further observed that the use of nectar robbing was strongly driven by trait barrier: nectar robbing happened mostly when the bill of the bird was shorter than the flower tube. This suggests that legitimate flower visits is the favoured foraging strategy for nectarivorous birds, and that robbing is used mostly to feed on otherwise inaccessible resources. These results suggest that nectar robbing is an important, yet overlooked, characteristic of tropical bird pollination networks.
Journals
2026 EN
Estève David · Toulet Aurélie · Roumiguié Mathieu
+23 more
Abstract One of the most striking features of the adipose depot surrounding the prostate [periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT)] is that its accumulation is independent of body mass index. Its volume varies considerably between individuals, with some patients exhibiting abundant PPATs, which have been correlated to the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). However, abundant PPAT is not well defined at the biological level. We used a new statistical approach to define abundant PPAT by normalizing PPAT volume to prostate volume in a cohort of 351 patients using a linear regression model. Applying this definition, we confirmed the link between abundant PPAT and PCa aggressiveness, thereby validating our approach. At the biological level, we showed that abundant PPAT exhibited extensive extracellular matrix remodeling, notably of the collagen network, decreasing the mechanical constraints in hypertrophic adipocytes, leading to inflammation‐free expansion. Degradation of the most abundant collagen in adipose tissue (AT), collagen VI, was associated with increased production of endotrophin, a signaling peptide derived from AT that was also elevated in the urine of patients with abundant PPAT confirming the clinical relevance of our results. These results highlight a unique mechanism of expansion of an adipose depot and open new mechanistic avenues to explain its role in prostate‐related disorders. © 2026 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Journals
2026 EN
Høgsholt Stine · Stochholm Kirstine · Søndergaard Esben
+3 more
Abstract Background As survival after Wilms tumor has markedly improved, focus on potential long‐term consequences is necessary. We investigated the metabolic profile among Danish survivors of Wilms tumor >20 years from cancer diagnosis. Methods As of January 15, 2015, we established a cohort of 20‐plus‐year survivors of Wilms tumor identified through the national cancer registries. Siblings contributed as controls. Participation included clinical examination with anthropometric measurements, blood samples, blood pressure measurements, and a comprehensive health questionnaire. Using logistic regression, we identified risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM). Results With a response rate of 64%, we included 99 survivors of Wilms tumor with a median of 37 years since diagnosis (median age of 41, range: 24–70), and 38 sibling controls (median age of 41, range: 24–66). An increased prevalence of DM was found in the survivors as compared with their siblings (15% vs. 0%). A logistic regression analysis adjusted for age at follow‐up showed that left‐sided versus right‐sided abdominal radiation therapy was a risk factor for the development of DM (odds ratio [OR] 7.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–44). A larger fraction of the survivors was in active treatment for hypertension compared to siblings (42% vs. 37%), but with no significant difference in body mass index, hip, or waist circumferences. Furthermore, Wilms tumor survivors were more likely to be in active treatment with lipid‐lowering agents (8% vs. 3%). Conclusion Left‐sided abdominal radiation is a major risk factor for DM in long‐term survivors of Wilms tumor. Patients may benefit from surveillance with increased focus on metabolic risk profile to decrease the risk of DM and cardiovascular events.
Journals
2026 EN
Poon Sarah W. Y. · Tung Joanna Y. L. · Pang Gloria S. W.
+9 more
ABSTRACT Background Intracranial germ cell tumors (ICGCTs) represent a rare subset of neoplasms with notably higher incidence in Asian cohorts compared to Western counterparts. Diagnostic delays in ICGCT, frequently associated with endocrine presentations, have previously been documented. However, factors contributing to delays, as well as the implications for clinical outcomes, remain insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to evaluate presentations, diagnostic intervals, and long‐term endocrine sequelae in children with ICGCT. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all children diagnosed with ICGCT from 2008 to 2023 in Hong Kong. Clinical, pathological, and endocrine data were collected with treatment outcomes and survival analyzed. Prolonged diagnostic interval was defined as > 6 months from symptom onset. Results A total of 104 children with ICGCT (59.6% males, median age 12.6 years, follow‐up 6.8 years) were included. About 64.4% had germinoma. Endocrine deficits were present in 63.5% at diagnosis. The median diagnostic interval was 3 months. About 32.7% had prolonged diagnostic intervals, particularly for suprasellar tumors and those presenting with endocrinopathies. Inconclusive MRI, as well as caveats in tumor biopsy, also contributed to delayed diagnosis. Diagnostic interval had no impact on overall survival and progression‐free survival, but children with diagnostic delay tend to be shorter. At follow‐up, 66.3% had persistent endocrinopathies, in addition to 40.8% being overweight/obese and 60% having low bone mineral density. Conclusion Our study highlighted patient‐related, physician‐related, and tumor‐related delays in the diagnosis of pediatric ICGCT. Although there was no impact on mortality, children with diagnostic delay tend to be shorter. Surveillance of endocrinopathies alongside assessment of weight status and bone health is essential.
Journals
2026 EN
Salama Ryan · Shuck Alexis · Lu Zhanni
+4 more
ABSTRACT Background Momcology is a US‐based patient advocacy organization that provides support for families of children with cancer. This study describes Momcology for researchers by detailing the demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic (socioeconomic status [SES]) data within its registry and comparing it to the National Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset. This study contextualizes differences within the cohort and highlights opportunities for similar organizations to improve research partnerships. Procedure In 2020, Momcology transitioned its membership registry to Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), a secure, web‐based platform designed for standardized data collection and research collaboration. Caregivers of children with cancer completed surveys capturing diagnosis, demographics, and socioeconomic information. We compared children aged 0–19 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 in the Momcology registry with cases from SEER‐22 for demographic and clinical variables and SEER‐18 (2006–2018) for SES. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between registry membership and age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer subtype, and SES. Results Among 4,305 Momcology patients and 156,407 SEER cases, Momcology children were younger at diagnosis, more likely to be non‐Hispanic White, and from higher SES backgrounds. Momcology showed a substantially greater proportion of leukemias compared to SEER. Additionally, the REDCap database enables efficient data queries and targeted family outreach based on specific circumstances. Conclusion Momcology's membership is large and includes all pediatric cancer types and demographic backgrounds. Despite representation gaps in certain populations, Momcology maintains a presently characterized and active cohort that facilitates connections between families and researchers for community‐based participatory research and caregiver support initiatives within pediatric oncology.
Journals
2026 EN
Pascual Claudia · Vasquez Liliana · Maradiegue Essy
+43 more
ABSTRACT Background and Aims Late detection is a major contributor to the high mortality of childhood cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A previous study in Peru showed that the diagnostic time (DT), the interval between the onset of symptoms and definitive diagnosis, was 107 days. Since 2019, a national strategy with multiple interventions has been implemented under the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). This study analyzes the reduction in DT achieved over the past four years. Methods Data on children and adolescents registered in the GICC hospital‐based registry were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were from nine hospitals nationwide. Associations between clinical‐demographic variables and DT were examined. Additional intervals analyzed were patient time (PT), medical time (MT), and treatment time (TT). Results The study included 2268 patients under 20 years of age diagnosed between 2020 and 2023. Median DT was 26 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 9–61) and mean DT 57 days (SD: 97.8). Longer DT was observed in patients aged 12–20 years, those with solid tumors, and those whose parents had lower education levels. Median PT (onset to first healthcare contact) was 19.5 days (IQR: 7–44) and was longer when parents had only early or primary education. Median MT (first contact to diagnosis) was 10 days (IQR: 2–30). Compared with 2012–2014, DT significantly decreased, mainly due to shorter MT ( p < 0.001), demonstrating the strategy's impact on provider‐dependent intervals. Median TT (diagnosis to treatment initiation) was 8 days (IQR: 1–19), with no significant change compared with 2012–2014. Conclusions Implementation of Peru's early detection strategy within the GICC framework has markedly reduced DT, largely by improving provider diagnostic capacity. Integration of this strategy into national policies is essential to ensure its sustainability and continued improvement in childhood cancer outcomes.
Journals
2026 EN
Freire Grace · Thieu Nguyen · EscobarDiaz Maria C.
+11 more
ABSTRACT Objective We sought to perform multi‐variable modeling to assess the independent value of the CVPS in fetuses with Ebstein anomaly or tricuspid valve dysplasia (EA/TVD). Methods CVPS was assessed at a core lab using the first and last echocardiograms during gestation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted. Changes in the CVPS from the first to the last echo were assessed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Results There were 164 fetuses with EA/TVD with complete CVPS at the first echo. Nearly half, 48.8% ( n = 80), had intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) or died neonatally. At the first echo, median gestational age (GA) was 27.6 weeks (IQR: 23.0–31.0) and median CVPS was 7 (IQR: 6–8). The optimal cut‐point for classification of perinatal survival was observed at CVPS ≥ 6.5 (Youden index = 0.46). After adjustment, there remained a significant independent association between every 1‐point increase in the CVPS at first echo and the odds of perinatal survival (adjusted odds ratio: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.2, and p = 0.003). The CVPS at the last echo decreased by a median of 1 point among both survivors ( p < 0.01) and non‐survivors ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Among fetuses with EA/TVD, the CVPS may be used as an additional tool to assess perinatal survival throughout gestation.
Journals
2026 EN
Schieffer Léa · Garel Catherine · Guibaud Laurent
+9 more
ABSTRACT Introduction The neurodevelopmental outcome of ‘Cystic’ malformations of the posterior fossa with marked opening of the fourth ventricle, such as Dandy Walker malformation (DWM) and large Blake's pouch cyst (BPC), is a major issue. This study aimed to refine relevant MRI criteria for distinguishing DWM from BPC and identify prognostic factors. Patients and Methods Inclusion criteria were prenatal retrocerebellar fluid space diameter > 10 mm, marked opening of the fourth ventricle with a tegmento‐vermian angle (TVA) > 40°, and postnatal follow‐up > 2 years. Results 27 patients were classified as follows: 6 DWM characterized by an overall upward orientation of the tentorium, an open tegmento‐tentorial angle (TTA > 78 ) and a high TVA (median 132°); 15 BPC with a normal downward orientation of the proximal part of the tentorium (TTA < 68°) and distal upward displacement (median TVA 74°); 3 PHACE syndromes (Posterior fossa abnormalities, Haemangioma, Arterial cerebrovascular anomalies, Cardiac defects, Eye anomalies) and 3 unclassified. Four prognostic factors were identified, (i) diagnosis: DWM (two deaths, three learning disabilities and one typical development (TD)) versus BPC (five learning disabilities [4/5 with associated malformation or genetic defects] and 10 TD); (ii) associated versus isolated (36% vs. 87% TD); (iii) obstructive ventriculomegaly versus no hydraulic complications (20% vs. 91% TD); and (iv) the foetal TVA value and clinical outcome (correlation coefficient = 0.561, p = 0.006).
Journals
2026 EN
Cloutier Gabrielle · Julien Catherine · Francoeur Alicia
+3 more
ABSTRACT This study investigated the associations between classroom climate dimensions (academic support, emotional support, and classroom organization) and basic psychological need satisfaction in students with special educational needs (SEN). It also examined whether anxiety symptoms and gender moderate these associations. Students in Grades 5 and 6 ( N = 365; 59.3% boys) provided self‐reports on classroom climate and need satisfaction. Child anxiety was assessed via parent report. Multivariate linear regression models were performed, controlling for child age, household income, and school socioeconomic index, and included interaction terms for classroom climate dimensions, anxiety, and gender. Findings indicate that all dimensions of classroom climate were significantly associated with greater satisfaction of basic psychological needs. The positive association between academic support and the need for relatedness was stronger at higher levels of anxiety, suggesting that academic support may be particularly important for the sense of belonging of these students. No significant interactions with gender were found. Our findings carry important practical implications for teachers, highlighting the need to enhance academic support, emotional support, and classroom organization to foster the psychological need satisfaction of students with SEN. These implications extend to both classroom practices (e.g., practical strategies and adaptations) and opportunities for professional development.
Journals
2026 EN
Jimerson Shane R. · Boyle Christopher · Begeny John
+23 more
ABSTRACT This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Psychology in the Schools ( PITS ), the second‐longest‐running journal in the field of school psychology. Since its founding in 1964, PITS has served as a central outlet for research and practice focused on the intersection of psychology and education, with an emphasis on advancing the practice of school psychology. The paper highlights the enduring legacy of PITS in advancing school psychology practice, including the journal's origins, editorial leadership, and evolving scope, including contributions from editors William A. Hunt, B. Claude Mathis, Gerald B. Fuller, LeAdelle Phelps, David E. McIntosh, and the incoming editor Shane R. Jimerson. A decade‐by‐decade analysis illustrates the major themes represented in the journal, including role definition and assessment in the 1960s, consultation and behavior change in the 1970s, mainstreaming and intervention research in the 1980s, data‐based decision‐making and discipline in the 1990s, workforce issues and Response to Intervention (RTI) in the 2000s, equity and prevention science in the 2010s, and mental health, crisis readiness, and Multi‐Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in the 2020s. The article also highlights the contemporary emphasis of PITS in advancing the practice of school psychology internationally. Representative articles from each decade are cited and summarized, demonstrating how PITS has consistently bridged research and practice to support students, educators, and the profession of school psychology. The article also describes the vision of the leadership team, emphasizing three intertwined priorities: strengthening the quality and timeliness of the peer review process, advancing rigorous scholarship that directly informs practice, and expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion across the journal's leadership, contributors, and published research.