In the Midnight Hour: Participatory Opportunities in Regulatory Policymaking During Presidential Transitions

ABSTRACT We examine opportunities for stakeholder participation in regulatory policymaking in the U.S. during the midnight period, the 3 months between the presidential election in November and the inauguration of the winning candidate the following January. During partisan presidential transitions, do agencies—in a sprint to the regulatory finish line—limit stakeholder participation? We develop a novel typology of midnight regulations and construct an original data set of nearly 1000 rules developed during several presidential administrations. Our analysis demonstrates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, midnight regulations do not exhibit a deficiency in participatory opportunities. In fact, rules proposed early in presidential terms that are promulgated during midnight periods are characterized by relatively expansive opportunities for participation. Normatively, the robustness of opportunities for participation during presidential transitions suggests that midnight regulations do not suffer from a lack of democratic legitimacy, at least with respect to inviting stakeholder input.

Safety and Efficacy of Vadadustat Versus Darbepoetin Alfa for Chronic Kidney Disease–Related Anemia in Patients Receiving Dialysis by Baseline Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent Dose

ABSTRACT Introduction Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron supplementation are standard treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD)–related anemia. Targeting higher hemoglobin values in CKD increases cardiovascular risk. Whether the increased risk is from higher ESA doses or higher hemoglobin levels is uncertain, but alternative therapies are sought for patients requiring high ESA doses. Phase 3 INNO 2 VATE trials in patients with dialysis‐dependent CKD (DD‐CKD) demonstrated vadadustat's noninferiority compared with darbepoetin alfa. To determine vadadustat's potential to treat anemia, including in patients requiring high ESA doses, its safety and efficacy were compared with those of darbepoetin alfa across prespecified baseline ESA dose subgroups in the prevalent DD‐CKD INNO 2 VATE trial. Methods We compared the safety and efficacy of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa across prespecified baseline ESA dose subgroups (low [≤ 90 U/kg/week], intermediate [> 90 and < 300 U/kg/week], or high [≥ 300 U/kg/week]) in the INNO 2 VATE prevalent trial. The primary safety endpoint was time to first adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were mean hemoglobin level change from baseline at weeks 24–36 and weeks 40–52, respectively. Findings Compared with darbepoetin alfa, first MACE hazard ratios for vadadustat were 0.99 (95% CI, 0.81–1.23), 0.93 (95% CI, 0.74–1.18), and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.34–1.14) for low, intermediate, and high baseline ESA dose subgroups, respectively (interaction p =  0.92). Vadadustat was noninferior to darbepoetin alfa in hemoglobin change from baseline to primary evaluation period, with mean differences (vadadustat–darbepoetin alfa) of −0.10 g/dL (95% CI, −0.19 to −0.02), −0.20 g/dL (95% CI, −0.30 to −0.09), and −0.39 g/dL (95% CI, −0.67 to −0.11) for low, intermediate, and high ESA dose subgroups, respectively. Discussion Comparing safety and efficacy by baseline ESA dose among patients with CKD on maintenance dialysis, vadadustat was noninferior to darbepoetin alfa for all ESA dose subgroups, including patients with high baseline ESA requirements.

Immunohistochemical characterization of peritoneal inclusion cysts with squamous metaplasia

Aims Peritoneal inclusion cysts (PICs) are mesothelial‐lined cysts that can uncommonly develop squamous metaplasia. Here, we describe the immunophenotype of PICs with squamous metaplasia using a comprehensive immunohistochemical (IHC) panel. Methods and results We collected surgical excisions of PICs with squamous metaplasia from our institution and cases sent to our extramural consultation service. An IHC panel was used to characterize the immunophenotype, which included antibodies to claudin 4, WT‐1, D2‐40, calretinin, CK5/6, p40/p63, PAX8, BAP1, MTAP and merlin. 10 cases of PICs with squamous metaplasia were identified. The average age was 51 years, with 8 females and 2 males. On histology, all PICs ( n  = 10) showed diffuse squamous metaplasia. The cyst lining cells exhibited a squamous epithelial phenotype with diffuse expression of claudin 4 and p63/p40 in the suprabasal cells that also showed consistent co‐expression of WT1 in all cases. In contrast, the basal layer displayed a mesothelial phenotype, demonstrating immunoreactivity to WT1 and D2‐40 and lacking expression of claudin 4. Calretinin showed complete loss of expression in both the basal and parabasal cells. All cases showed retained expression of BAP1, MTAP and merlin. Conclusions PICs with squamous metaplasia express a unique mixed epithelial and mesothelial immunophenotype. The basal layer shows an immunophenotype consistent with mesothelial cells, and the suprabasal layers show an immunophenotype consistent with epithelial/squamous cells. Knowing the detailed immunophenotype of PIC with squamous metaplasia is helpful for correctly recognizing this lesion.

Major revision version 13.0 of the European AIDS Clinical Society guidelines 2025

Abstract Background The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) guidelines were revised for the 21st time in 2025, with updates covering all aspects of HIV care. Key Points of the Guidelines Update The structure of the guidelines has been reorganized into two parts: Part I focuses on the management and prevention of HIV and related infections, and Part II addresses comorbidities and other relevant topics. In Part I, Version 13.0 recommends the following first‐line regimens for adults with HIV‐1: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) with either lamivudine or emtricitabine (XTC), in combination with dolutegravir (DTG), bictegravir (BIC), or doravirine (DOR); or a dual therapy option consisting of XTC plus DTG. Version 13.0 introduces a completely new section on HIV‐2. The preferred first‐line regimens for HIV‐2 include triple therapy with a second‐generation integrase inhibitor: either TAF/FTC/BIC or TDF/XTC + DTG. The PrEP section has been updated to include the use of long‐acting injectable antiretrovirals. Drug–drug interaction (DDI) tables have been updated to include long‐acting antiretrovirals and considerations related to substance use, including drugs used to enhance or prolong sexual activity (chemsex). Tables for preferred and alternative ART regimens in children and adolescents have been updated, with particular attention to neonates. A new section on transition to adult care has also been included. The co‐infections section has undergone extensive revision, especially regarding HBV, sexually transmitted infections, opportunistic infections (particularly tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, and cryptococcosis) and mpox, incorporating recent clinical trial data on tecovirimat. In Part II, Version 13.0 introduces major updates to the comorbidities section. In the cancer section, screening recommendations for anal and breast cancer have been updated. Cardiovascular and metabolic health sections have been significantly modified, reflecting recent advances and the use of statins in people with HIV. Topics such as kidney and liver complications, mental health, travel and solid organ transplantation have been thoroughly revised. New sections on sleep health and a unified substance use section have been added. Conclusions In 2025, the EACS Guidelines underwent a comprehensive update and restructuring. They now consist of two distinct parts and include several new sections. The recommendations are available as a free mobile app and in an interactive web format.

Effect of field‐assisted sintering parameters on microstructure of carbon fiber‒silicon carbide composites

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the adaptation of field‐assisted sintering technology (FAST) to a prepreg approach for producing continuous‐fiber C/SiC composites. This study explored the effects of process parameters for FAST on tow infiltration, porosity, and crack propagation in C/SiC composites. The C/SiC composites were produced from prepregs using a nano‐infiltration transient eutectic process (nano‐SiC powder infiltration and transient eutectic phase). Rapid process cycles (cycle times of 10s of minutes) yielded fully dense laminates at sintering temperatures of 1700°C‒1900°C. Microstructural analysis of polished sections revealed 0%‒1% porosity, and bending tests were performed to reveal the effects of process history. Increasing dwell time at the peak sintering temperature did not strongly increase fiber dissolution but increased SiC grain densification in the matrix.

Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer in Patients Initiating JAK Versus IL‐4/‐13 Inhibitors for Atopic Dermatitis

Nomenclature for Factors of the HLA System, Update October, November and December 2025

Pyridoxine toxicity among lung transplant recipients

Information Environment, Systematic Volatility, and Stock Return Synchronicity

ABSTRACT In this paper, we first develop a theoretical model to demonstrate that systematic volatility—and thus stock price synchronicity, as measured by R 2 in an asset pricing model—decreases with enhanced corporate disclosures in the market. We show that if investors can infer a firm's future performance from noisy signals in the market, systematic volatility, and consequently stock price synchronicity, will decline as earnings news helps resolve market‐wide uncertainty. We empirically test this prediction by comparing R 2 values during earnings announcement seasons with those during non‐announcement seasons and find significantly lower R 2 values in the earnings season. Furthermore, we show that the decline in stock price synchronicity is driven primarily by a reduction in systematic volatility rather than by an increase in idiosyncratic volatility. We also find that the drop in synchronicity is less pronounced among firms with generally higher information quality—since their earnings news is relatively less informative—but more pronounced in the month when the first industry bellwether firm announces earnings. Finally, we document that stock price synchronicity begins to decline immediately after the first earnings announcement in an industry and reverts following the last announcement. Overall, our paper provides new evidence in support of the information‐based interpretation of stock return synchronicity and highlights the importance of the systematic component of stock volatility for future research.

Tracks of Solidarity: Public Opinion and Railway Worker Strikes

ABSTRACT This study investigates the factors influencing public support for railway worker strikes in the United Kingdom. Using a seven‐wave survey conducted from December 2022 to October 2023, the paper explores the relationship between public opinion and strike action in the context of British railways. Our analysis considers socioeconomic, political, and geographical factors. Key findings indicate significant variation in support based on political alignment, with right‐leaning individuals and those who voted Conservative in the 2019 General Election showing less support for strikes. Surprisingly, proximity to railway stations and income levels did not significantly impact public support. Regional analysis reveals the North East of England, an area with lower rail usage, exhibits higher support for strikes. Furthermore, we find higher levels of support for strikes among ethnic minority groups. This paper contributes to understanding public sentiments on transport strikes, highlighting the complexity of public opinion shaped by political and regional factors. These insights are useful for policymakers and trades unions in addressing the challenges of public transport strikes and their broader societal impacts.