Extracellular vesicles from chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells promote leukemia aggressiveness by inducing the differentiation of monocytes into nurse‐like cells via an RNA‐dependent mechanism

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells receive several stimuli from surrounding cells, such as B‐cell receptor (BCR) stimulation, and can manipulate their microenvironment via extracellular vesicle (EV) release. Here, we investigated the small RNA content (microRNA and YRNA) of CLL‐EVs from leukemic cells cultured with/without BCR stimulation. We highlight an increase of miR‐155‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐132‐3p in EVs and in cells after BCR stimulation ( p  < 0.05, n  = 25). CLL‐EVs were preferentially internalized by monocytes ( p  = 0.0019, n  = 6) and able to deliver microRNAs and the hY4 RNA. Furthermore, BCR CLL‐EV induced modifications in monocytes (shape change, microRNA and gene expression, secretome) suggesting nurse‐like cell (NLC) differentiation, the tumor‐associated macrophages of CLL. Functionally, monocytes treated with BCR CLL‐EVs protect CLL cells from spontaneous apoptosis by pro‐survival cytokine production and induce their migration as well as the migration of other immune cells. We finally reported by transfection experiments that hY4 is able to induce the expression of CCL24, a key gene in M2 macrophage differentiation. In conclusion, we showed that BCR stimulation modifies the small RNA content of CLL‐EVs and that the addition of leukemic EVs to monocytes leads to monocyte differentiation into NLCs establishing a protective microenvironment that supports leukemic cell survival.

Two distinct fetal‐type signatures characterize juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

Goat Milk‐Based Infant Formula and the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants: A Real‐World‐Evidence Study From Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Infants often experience gastro‐intestinal (GI) symptoms whereby their nutrition might play a role in the occurrence of these symptoms. Evidence suggests that consuming goat milk‐based infant formula (GMF) may provide relief. Therefore, a study was performed to assess the prevalence of GI symptoms in infants and the role of GMF. Methods From June 2021 until November 2022, a cross‐sectional observational survey was conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and The Netherlands by recruiting parents/legal guardians through social media. GI symptoms after introduction of GMF were questioned using the validated Cow's Milk‐Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS; scoring 0–33), lower scores indicate fewer symptoms. Occurrence of crying, gassiness, eczema, respiratory symptoms and stool consistency were asked retrospectively before and ≥ 14 days after introduction of GMF. Results The study population ( n  = 425) of GMF‐consumers mostly consisted of 0‐6 months‐old infants with a median age of 5 months. Overall, CoMiSS was low among GMF‐consumers (median 1.00, IQR 4.00, range 0–14) of which 89% had CoMiSS ≤ 6 ( n  = 317), indicating (severity of) symptoms commonly present in healthy infants. After introduction of GMF, the majority of infants had lower symptom scores of gassiness (87%, n  = 128), skin symptoms (78%, n  = 32), watery stools/diarrhea (80%, n  = 32) or hard stools/constipation (84%, n  = 57), and crying (87%, n  = 122). The CoMiSS in GMF‐consumers was significantly lower, meaning fewer symptoms, compared to GMF‐non‐consumers ( p  = < 0.001). CoMiSS was similar among categories of age, sex, and country of residence. Conclusion This sample of infants fed GMF showed a low prevalence of GI symptoms and parents reported lower prevalence of GI symptoms after introduction of GMF based on retrospectively questionnaires. CoMiSS in GMF‐consumers was significantly lower when compared to GMF‐non‐consumers. These results give indications of a potential benefit of GMF in managing GI symptoms in infants. Clinicaltrial. gov identifier NCT06755424.

Unveiling women's lived experiences with care provided by a pregnancy heart team: A qualitative phenomenological study

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to gain an in‐depth understanding of the lived experiences of women with CVD regarding their care by a pregnancy heart team (PHT) during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. Methods Using a qualitative phenomenological study, data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 13 women receiving follow‐up care from a PHT at a large tertiary center. Data were collected between December 2022 and September 2023, and thematic content analysis was conducted. Results The lived experiences of women with CVD were reflected in the PHT by two main themes: “emotional distress” and “(dis‐)organization of care.” The “emotional distress” theme had sub‐themes of “awareness and impact of CVD on pregnancy,” “loneliness,” and “need for psychological support.” The theme of “(dis)organization of care” was expressed through the sub‐themes of “(dis‐)continuity of care” and “(expected) skills of healthcare providers.” Conclusion The current study findings highlight the impact of CVD on pregnancy and the emotional challenges faced by women with CVD during the course of their pregnancy. Improvements in accessibility, timeliness, reciprocity and shared decision‐making, and psychological support could contribute to more patient‐centered care.

Patient‐reported pregnancy loss and maternal complications: Insights from the sickle cell disease implementation consortium

Abstract Objective Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with complications during pregnancy and can negatively influence maternal outcomes. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of maternal morbidity among participants enrolled in an eight‐site SCD Implementation Consortium (SCDIC) registry. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of female registry participants, aged 15–45 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of SCD. Participants completed a survey of self‐reported pregnancies and outcomes. Results Seven hundred and thirty‐eight individuals had at least one pregnancy event, with 1076 live births. Twenty percent reported a pregnancy loss or fetal demise. Of the 1076 live births, 75% involved at least one complication. The most prevalent complications were pain crises (61.1%) and pregnancy requiring blood transfusion(s) (33.0%). Multiparous individuals with a prior occurrence of a complication in a previous pregnancy had higher odds of recurrence of the same complication in subsequent pregnancies (i.e., previous acute crisis was associated with subsequent acute pain events odds ratio [OR]: 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06–4.76) and prior transfusion requiring another transfusion (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 2.01–5.16). Conclusion Individuals reported a high prevalence of pregnancy loss and maternal complications. Our findings underscore the importance of preconception counseling and early initiation of perinatal care in SCD.

High prevalence of chronic endometritis in women with nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding and benefits of antimicrobial treatment on blood loss pattern: A prospective, observational study

Abstract Objective The causal link between chronic endometritis (CE) and nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has been poorly investigated and requires further clarification. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CE in women with nonstructural AUB and to assess the effect of CE cure on the menstrual blood loss pattern. Methods This prospective study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Italy. Women aged 20–45 undergoing hysteroscopy for AUB with confirmation of nonstructural causes were evaluated for CE and considered affected when both hysteroscopic and histologic/immunohistochemical (HIS/IHC) criteria were met. Women with CE were treated with specific culture‐guided therapy. Cure ascertainment was confirmed by triple negativity at hysteroscopy‐HIS/IHC‐culture (Group A). In cases of a positive test, a second course of therapy, up to three courses, was repeated before declaring a persistent condition (Group B). At enrollment and at end‐of‐treatment evaluation, all participants completed a questionnaire to describe the bleeding characteristics and the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC). Serum hemoglobin and ferritin were also assessed. Results Chronic endometritis was diagnosed in 102 of 145 (70.3%) women with nonstructural AUB enrolled in the study. Out of 102 CE patients, 81 (79.4%) patients showed CE resolution after therapy (group A), while in 21 patients (20.6%) CE was persistent (group B). The duration of heavy bleeding before treatment (baseline) was similar in both groups ( P  = ns). In contrast, at the end of treatment, days of heavy bleeding, days of spotting, and PBAC scores decreased significantly in group A compared with both same‐group baseline assessment and group B. Serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels in cured women (A) were significantly higher than in those with persistent CE (B). PBAC scores in group A at 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment showed persistence of cure benefits on AUB. Finally, among patients with CE diagnosis, both univariate and multivariate regressions showed a significant association between cure of CE and reduced bleeding. Conclusion Chronic endometritis was highly prevalent in women with nonstructural AUB in our cohort. Cure of CE by targeted antimicrobial therapy led to significant improvements in bleeding patterns.

The HTIRDB: A resource containing a transcriptional atlas for 105 different tissues from each of seven species of domestic herbivore

Here, we describe the Herbivore Transcriptome Integrated Resource Database (HTIRDB, https://yanglab.hzau.edu.cn/HTIRDB#/ ). The HTIRDB comprises the self‐generated transcriptomic data from 100 to 105 tissues from two female domestic herbivores from six species (cattle, donkey, goat, horse, rabbit, and sika deer) and two breeds of sheep, and an extra 28,710 related published datasets. The HTIRDB user‐friendly interface provides tools and functionalities that facilitate the exploration of gene expression between tissues and species. The tools for comparative transcriptomics can be used to identify housekeeping genes, tissue‐specific genes, species‐specific genes, and species‐conserved genes. To date, the HTIRDB is the most extensive transcriptome data resource for domestic herbivores that is freely available.

The 2025 Journal of Avian Biology review award

Examining Clinical Symptoms and Personological Traits in Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa: A Network Analysis Approach

ABSTRACT Objective Despite advancements in treatment, research indicates that fewer than half of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) achieve full recovery by the end of their treatment. Network analysis provides a novel framework for understanding the central features of this complex psychopathology, potentially identifying critical elements that could enhance intervention strategies. While evidence suggests that personality traits play a significant role in the etiology, symptomatic expression, and maintenance of AN, no studies have yet utilized network analysis to explore the relationships among personality traits, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and common psychiatric comorbidities in adolescents with AN. This study aims to fill this gap by applying network analysis to examine the interplay between ED symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and personality traits in a sample of 243 adolescents with AN (92.6% female), aged 12 to 17 years (M age = 14.7 ± 1.4), recruited from five University Health Centers across Quebec, Canada. Methods Upon admission, participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory‐3 (EDI‐3), the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), the Children's Depression Inventory 2 (CDI 2), and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI). All variables were incorporated into a network analysis. Results The analysis revealed that submissive, conforming, self‐demeaning, and inhibited personality traits were central nodes. Among ED symptoms, drive for thinness was the most prominent, with depressive symptoms exhibiting the highest centrality among comorbid conditions. Conclusion These results highlight the complex interplay between ED symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, and personality traits in adolescents with AN. These findings suggest that interventions may benefit from focusing on emotional regulation and interpersonal dynamics, with particular attention to assertiveness training and strategies to help adolescents express and address their needs in relationships.

A Systematic Review of the Research on Protective Community Resources for Children and Youth

ABSTRACT The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive account of the research on protective community resources (PCRs) for children and youth, and to examine the association between PCRs and child and youth outcomes. Three electronic databases (JSTOR, ERIC, and PubMed), the internet, and literature reviews from 2012 to 2022 were searched for empirical studies that investigated community‐level characteristics in relation to outcomes for participants from birth to 24 years. Findings from the review underscore the range of community‐level factors that can buffer children and youth from harmful risks and promote healthy development, while also identifying important methodological and conceptual limitations in the current literature. We provide recommendations for future research on PCRs to inform policies and practices to promote the well‐being of children and youth.