Journals
2026 EN
Eviatar Tali · Capelusnik Dafne · Campochiaro Corrado
+33 more
Objective The aim of this study was to compare differences in clinical response, drug survival, and adverse event rates between anakinra and canakinumab in VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome. Methods This multicenter international study includes patients with VEXAS from France, Israel, and Italy treated with interleukin‐1 inhibition. Global response (GR) was defined as the absence of inflammatory symptoms and ≥50% decrease in steroid dose and C‐reactive protein. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify associated variables. Drug survival was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier plots and log‐rank test, with Cox regression models for associated factors. Results We included 47 male patients with VEXAS; 44 received anakinra and 9 received canakinumab, with 6 patients using both at different time points. GR at 1 month was 34% for anakinra and 100% for canakinumab ( P < 0.001) and 22% and 78% at 3 months, respectively ( P = 0.001). Treatment with canakinumab was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of achieving GR at 3 months (OR 28.8, 95% confidence interval 3.0–273.9; P = 0.004) in a multivariable analysis. Median drug survival was 54 (interquartile range [IQR] 30–56) months for canakinumab at 300 mg/month compared with 7 (IQR 4–8) months for canakinumab 150 mg/month and 1 (IQR 1–2.5) months for anakinra ( P = 0.01). Injection‐site reactions were only recorded for the anakinra group (47 vs 0%; P = 0.006), whereas infections were more frequent in the anakinra group (31% and 11%; P = 0.3). Conclusion Canakinumab demonstrated superior clinical response and drug survival with fewer adverse events compared with anakinra. Monthly canakinumab 300 mg may be considered as an effective steroid‐sparing therapeutic option for patients with VEXAS.
Journals
2026 EN
Fu Rong · Boulougoura Afroditi · Yu Shuilian
+11 more
Objective Up‐regulation of interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) in the serum and kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) has been demonstrated, but its effect on podocytes remains unknown. We hypothesized that IL‐23 contributes to podocyte injury and that targeted deletion of IL‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) in podocytes of lupus‐prone mice can prevent the development of glomerulonephritis. Methods Kidney biopsies were immunostained for IL‐23R. In vitro experiments were conducted using a human podocyte cell line and primary murine podocytes. Human podocytes stimulated with IL‐23 underwent bulk RNA sequencing. The expression of IL‐23R and structure and motility of podocytes were assessed. Podocytes isolated from B6 wild‐type mice injected with a minicircle (MC) encoding IL‐23 were studied. To assess the role of IL‐23R in the development of nephritis, we generated MRL/ lpr mice deficient in podocyte‐specific Il23r who were lupus prone. Results IL‐23R was highly expressed in the glomeruli of patients with LN. IL‐23R expression was also up‐regulated in human podocytes and primary podocytes isolated from B6 mice after IL‐23 stimulation. Human podocytes stimulated with IL‐23 showed decreased expression of synaptopodin and remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Mice who were administered with IL‐23 MC mice exhibited a significant increase in the expression of IL‐23R and phosphorylated STAT3 in podocytes. Finally, MRL/ lpr .Podo‐Cre + Il23r fl/fl mice showed decreased clinical and histologic features of LN. Conclusion IL‐23R expression is increased in podocytes from mice and humans with systemic lupus erythematosus. IL‐23 signaling disrupts the cytoskeleton in podocytes and increases their mobility, leading to the development of glomerulonephritis. Podocyte‐specific deletion of Il23r in lupus‐prone mice abrogates the development of LN.
Journals
2026 EN
Binvignat Marie · Dubois Johanna · Marco Salvador Maria
+24 more
Objective Pain is the hallmark symptom of osteoarthritis (OA), and its biologic drivers remain poorly understood. Although the role of innate immunity in OA has been extensively studied, the involvement of adaptive immunity, in particular Treg cells, is not well understood. Methods We performed omics profiling of peripheral blood from 46 patients with knee OA with similar radiographic stage, including deep immunophenotyping, cytokine profiling, transcriptomics, and T cell receptor analysis on sorted CD4+ Treg cells and Teff cells. Results We identified an immunologic signature associated with OA‐related pain. Cytokines promoting Treg expansion and activation (with increases of sIL2‐RA, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2) were correlated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscore, suggesting a potential Treg dysfunction. Nineteen T cell subsets were correlated with WOMAC pain. Notably, we found a negative correlation of cell subsets associated with Treg expansion and activation (FoxP3+CTLA4+, CD4+CD57+, Treg CD95+, and CD4 Treg CD45RA−). Differential gene expression analysis between patients with low and high WOMAC pain intensity (threshold ≥40/100) revealed an upregulation of inflammasome‐related genes such as IL1RL1 , IL31RA , IFITM3 , NLRP3 , and IFNG in Treg cells. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted an overrepresentation of innate immune response, interleukin‐8, and interferon activation and pro‐inflammatory genes in the Treg cells of patients with high pain intensity. Conclusion Collectively, our systems immunology approach highlights potential associations between Treg dysfunctionality and OA‐related pain, providing new hypotheses into the adaptive immune system's contribution to OA‐related pain.
Journals
2026 EN
Hortsch Michael · GirãoCarmona Virginia Claudia Carneiro · Leite Ana Caroline Rocha de Melo
+11 more
Abstract The four main anatomical sciences, gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and embryology, are fundamental subjects for most health professionals and biomedical students. Usually taught as part of preclinical basic science training, the anatomical sciences provide a structural understanding of human or animal bodies at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. This overview characterizes how the anatomical sciences are currently taught around the globe, highlighting similarities, differences, and recent curricular transformations that were partially in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Globally, educators of the anatomical sciences navigate similar pressures, including expectations of curricular integration and reduced time for anatomical teaching. Student‐centered teaching approaches and e‐learning technologies have been adopted across many regions, transforming how educators engage their learners. However, not all educators are provided with technological resources to facilitate such educational advancements, particularly in regions where economic inequality and poor infrastructure hinder access to the internet. Though ethical standards guiding the procurement of human bodies have evolved over time, the sources of human bodies that academic institutions use for anatomy education vary widely. Specific regional issues complicate many aspects of anatomical science education, challenging educators to adopt novel teaching approaches. Despite some differences, every global region appears to be moving in a similar direction. However, where academic institutions fall on that trajectory differs for specific regions/countries. How these educational and technological changes influence anatomy education should be carefully considered for the strengths and weaknesses they provide and the opportunities and threats they bring.
Journals
2026 EN
Schartel Norbert · SantosLleo Maria
ABSTRACT In December 2024, the European Space Agency's (ESA) XMM‐Newton X‐ray Observatory celebrated the 25th anniversary of its launch. The annual number of peer‐reviewed articles utilising XMM‐Newton data has exhibited a consistent upward trajectory over the past two and a half decades, attaining more than 400 in 2022. The annual call for observing time proposals continues to experience a high level of oversubscription, typically ranging from a factor of 6–7. In order to enhance the scientific discovery space, XMM‐Newton, primarily through the Project Scientist and Science Operations Centre, has pursued a strategy of expansion, which can be grouped into three phases: Large Projects with long observing time (2006–2009), Joint Observations (2011–2016) and Targets of Opportunity (2016–2024), respectively. A salient feature of XMM‐Newton's time allocation is the systematic removal of biases from the second call onwards, a strategy that has enabled the attainment of comparable gender success rates and high acceptance rates for young scientists over 25 years, a feat only recently accomplished by similar missions through the introduction of double‐anonymous review. XMM‐Newton research is conducted by an active community of 4300 scientists, of which approximately 570 are leading (1st author). The foundation of this community and its research is predicated on XMM‐Newton data, with the project's policy of user support and calibration being fundamental constituents, as well as the project's active engagement and communication with its members.
WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
Journals
2026 EN
Logrieco Maria Grazia · Bertamini Giulio · Casula Laura
+9 more
ABSTRACT Parental stress influences parent–child interactions in typical development and is a prognostic factor of autism outcome. However, we still do not know to what extent parental stress affects parent–child interactions and whether caregiver role matters. This study explored the relationship between parental stress and prosodic synchrony in parent–child vocal interactions, drawing on complex dynamic systems and affective computing frameworks. We assessed 62 dyads (31 autistic preschoolers, interacting separately with their mother and father) during structured play interactions at two time points (12 months apart) along with perceived parental stress. We used a Deep Learning model to segment child‐caregiver acoustic interactions with high accuracy automatically. Downstream, prosodic synchrony was modeled through cross‐recurrence quantification analysis. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to assess the impact of parental stress, caregiver role, and time on synchrony metrics. Models showed significant associations between parental stress and synchrony metrics for spectral and formant amplitude features. Higher stress levels were linked to less stable, predictable, and structured interactions. These effects were more pronounced in father–child dyads compared to mother–child dyads. Permutation analyses confirmed that these associations were specific to moment‐to‐moment coordination rather than general acoustic similarity. In autistic children, parental stress levels are linked with the temporal dynamics of parent–child prosodic synchrony, specifically affective speech and moment‐to‐moment coordination. It appears to be more pronounced in fathers. The results underscore the importance of fostering parental well‐being and tailoring interventions to account for differences between maternal and paternal interaction patterns in autism.
Journals
2026 EN
Pereira Débora Bizzo Brum · Coelho Maria Alice Zarur · Ribeiro Bernardo Dias
+1 more
ABSTRACT The enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean proteins was investigated using four enzymes (alcalase, flavourzyme, neutrase, and papain) in combination with different concentrations of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and ionic liquids (ILs). The goal was to assess the influence of these alternative green solvents on enzymatic efficiency. First, the hydrolysis kinetics were studied over a period of 240 min, in which the results showed an optimum time of 150 min, allowing high rates of soluble peptides without system saturation. The protein hydrolysis rate (PHR) was used as an indicator of enzymatic efficiency to evaluate the effect of NADESs based on cholinium chloride (ChCl) with hydrogen bond donors (urea, glycerol, lactic acid [Lac], and acetic acid [Ac]) and ILs formed with cholinium‐cation and lactate or acetate anions. The results showed that the alcalase presented the highest hydrolysis values in the presence of ChCl:urea, ChCl:glycerol, and [Ch][Lac], in which a strong hydrolytic activity was observed at concentrations of 50% of the solvent. In contrast, solvents with acidic HBDs (ChCl:lactic acid and ChCl:acetic acid) and [Ch][Ac] showed strong inhibitory effects on enzymatic activity. Molecular docking revealed that while acetate directly interacted with Ser221 of alcalase, the nucleophilic residue in the catalytic triad, lactate formed more distributed and less disruptive interactions. Urea showed strong affinity with peripheral residues, preserving enzymatic structure and functionality. These results demonstrate that combining experimental data and molecular docking analysis constitutes a strategic approach for the rational design of green solvents, optimizing their application as cosolvents in biocatalytic reactions.
Journals
2026 EN
Parida Chiku · Roy Diptendu · Lastra Juan Maria García
+1 more
Generative models represent a powerful new paradigm for accelerating the discovery of novel materials across vast chemical space. To evaluate the viability of deploying generalized crystal generative models for application specific discovery tasks, here Li‐ion battery (LIB) materials are chosen as a case study. The pretrained MatterGen model is used to generate diverse crystalline structures, conditioned for stability and tested for uniqueness and novelty for promising Li‐containing compositions. An unsupervised clustering analysis is performed using atomic neighborhood fingerprints to compare the distribution of generated structures against the training dataset and materials project (MP) data in the chemical space. The multitired workflow for LIB materials combines a universal crystal generative model with foundational machine learning potential to identify the most promising stable (close to convex hull with respect to MP data) candidates for final density functional theory‐based stability calculations. Open circuit voltage (OCV) and specific capacity calculations on selected stable materials highlight their potential as LIB materials. Among 91 identified Li‐containing stable ( ≤ 0.03 $ 0.03$ eV/atom above MP convex hull) materials, two novel cathode materials are identified useful for LIB, considering average OCV, OCV at highest and lowest state of charge, and the specific capacity.
Journals
2026 EN
GranadosMoreno Miguel · Cid Rosalía · Maibach Julia
+3 more
Pre‐lithiation is an essential step in lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) due to the lack of Li + in both electrodes. The integration of dilithium squarate (Li 2 C 4 O 4 ) into the positive electrode of LICs is considered one of the most promising pre‐lithiation strategies. Therefore, the ability of Li 2 C 4 O 4 decomposition products to modify the solid electrolyte interphase has been recently disclosed, although their impact on the positive electrode surface has not been studied yet. In this work, the improvement of the electrochemical performance when Li 2 C 4 O 4 was included has been investigated by analyzing the surface of activated carbon‐based electrodes with and without Li 2 C 4 O 4 by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The decomposition of Li 2 C 4 O 4 leads to the formation of a surface layer on the positive electrode that remains unaltered regardless of the applied potential, as well as after an aging test. Thus, the improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the presence of a pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism enabled by the surface layer. Lastly, the cells are modified to reveal the main components participating in the surface layer formation. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact, benefits, and limitations of Li 2 C 4 O 4 , which will accelerate the development of other suitable alternative sacrificial salts.
Journals
2026 EN
Melin Tim · King Laura · Hahlin Maria
+1 more
Despite the lack of fundamental understanding of their operating mechanisms, layer‐forming electrolyte additives are key to stabilizing modern Li‐ion cells. Herein, the reduction mechanism of sulfur‐containing additive prop‐1‐ene‐1,3‐sultone (PES) is investigated using a model inert electrode/electrolyte system to isolate additive‐driven reactions. Attenuated total reflection fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, online electrochemical mass spectrometry, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are applied operando along with ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. PES satisfies the main criteria for layer‐forming additives, to reduce at higher potentials than typical carbonate ester‐based electrolytes and to suppress further electrolyte decomposition. Inclusion of PES in the electrolyte significantly reduced gas evolution, forming a thin, dense, and Li + ‐conductive SEI. Despite significant charge passed already at 1.4 V vs. Li + /Li, no major interfacial change is observed until 1.0 V, where a high‐resistance, low‐capacitance interphase forms containing sulfur–oxygen species, such as ROSO 2 Li, RSO 3 Li, and Li 2 SO 3 . Such species primarily form in chemical steps after PES reduction, which in turn continue the layer growth long after the electrochemical PES reduction has ended. The combined operando methodology applied herein provides unique insights into electrode layer formation in batteries and thereby guides understanding and development of future electrolyte additives.