Ecological factors shaping post‐fire resilience in mature black spruce forests of eastern North America

Abstract Climate‐induced fire regime shifts may reduce post‐fire recovery and erode the resilience of the boreal forests. The eastern North American boreal zone is often dominated by near‐monospecific stands of black spruce (BS, Picea mariana ), a tree species with regeneration traits that are adapted to stand‐replacing fire. While post‐fire vulnerability of immature BS stands has been extensively studied, no study has evaluated post‐fire regeneration of mature BS stands and its ecological determinants at the subcontinental scale. This study assessed the fire resilience of mature BS forests and the effects of major environmental drivers on post‐fire regeneration. We analysed an extensive network of 536 mature BS‐dominated stands that were affected by 21 fires (1995–2016) across a 50,400 km 2 boreal landscape in eastern North America. We first quantified post‐fire seedling density (seedlings/ha) of BS and co‐occurring tree species to determine the proportion of plots affected by low levels of BS regeneration and potential shifts toward jack pine (JP, Pinus banksiana ) or broadleaved species. We then analysed the effects of seed bank condition, fire characteristics (severity and seasonality) and seedbed conditions on post‐fire BS regeneration. One‐third of the plots exhibited low‐regeneration levels, particularly in stands that were dense and closed‐canopy prior to the fire. A relatively minor proportion (one‐fifth) also experienced compositional changes, mainly toward JP. Generalized linear mixed‐effect models indicated that higher pre‐fire BS basal area and greater post‐fire cover of unburned living Sphagnum promoted post‐fire BS regeneration, whereas high‐severity crown fires and spring fires had negative effects. Synthesis. Based on a dataset of unprecedented size and spatial extent in eastern Canada, our study provides the first robust assessment of the fire resilience of mature BS forests. A third of pre‐fire mature closed‐canopy stands are expected to transition into open woodlands, a change that could persist for centuries. While mature BS‐dominated forests are generally considered more fire‐resilient than younger stands, our study raises concerns about their capacity to persist and maintain ecosystem services under the projected climate‐driven increases in burned area and severity.

Economic Impact of Severe Early‐Onset Foetal Growth Restriction: A Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objective Foetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 10% of pregnancies, contributing to 30% of stillbirths. Current management of early‐onset FGR (< 32 + 0 weeks' gestation) delivers the foetus before stillbirth or irreversible organ damage. The resulting preterm births create additional risks independent of FGR. We determined the economic cost associated with severe early‐onset FGR. Design Economic analysis of EVERREST prospective study, a 6‐year multicentre prospective cohort study. Setting UK, Spain, Germany, Sweden. Population Pregnant women with estimated foetal weight < 3rd centile, 20 + 0–26 + 6 weeks of gestation. Methods Between antenatal recruitment and 2 years post‐delivery, maternal and infant resource use was collected using the Global Pregnancy CoLaboratory (COLAB) data set and an adapted client service receipt inventory (CSRI) questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure Cost differences between gestational age groups with Multivariable Generalised Linear Models. Results Of 135 births, 46% were extremely preterm (EPT, < 28 + 0 weeks), 23% very preterm (VPT, 28 + 0–< 32 + 0 weeks), 16% late/moderate preterm (MLPT, 32 + 0–< 37 + 0 weeks) and 14% term. Neonatal Unit (NNU) costs accounted for the largest costs incurred by either mother or infant, exhibiting the largest differences between gestational age groups. EPT infants costed an additional £157 832 (95% CI: £96 904–£218 760) on average per infant compared to the term group, VPT infants an additional £93 709 (95% CI: £62 656–£124 761) and MLPT infants an additional £20 182 (£11 882–£28 482). Conclusions Early‐onset FGR has substantial costs, predominantly incurred during infants' NNU admissions. Births < 32 + 0 weeks have significantly higher costs than term births, providing economic justification to research therapies that reduce iatrogenic preterm birth. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02097667

Prediction of Adverse Perinatal Outcome in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy Using Fetal Biometry and Doppler Data: A Multicentre Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objective To assess whether combining estimated fetal weight (EFW) and fetal Doppler ultrasound parameters would provide information to optimize the timing of birth in monochorionic twin pregnancies and prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. Study Design Retrospective multicentre cohort study. Setting Three tertiary centres in the UK, Italy and Belgium. Population 624 monochorionic twin pregnancies managed between 2013 and 2023. Methods Univariable and multivariable analyses assessed the association between EFW and Doppler indices taken within 2 weeks of birth. Main Outcome Measures Stillbirth at any gestation or iatrogenic preterm birth before 34 weeks for suspected fetal compromise. Results The primary outcome occurred in 143 (22.9%) pregnancies with 70 cases of early PTB for fetal reasons and 73 cases of at least one IUD. Significant associations between biometric and Doppler parameters and adverse perinatal outcomes were found. The best‐performing prediction models incorporated EFW discordance and umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI) discordance, achieving an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.91) and EFW discordance and absent or reverse end diastolic flow of UA PI with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.92). The model incorporating EFW and UA PI discordance could be applied to the largest proportion of pregnancies and outperformed the currently clinical sFGR classification in predicting adverse outcomes. Conclusion A model incorporating intertwin EFW discordance and UA PI discordance outperforms the current clinical classification for prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes in monochorionic pregnancies. If confirmed by further external validation studies, these findings could contribute to building a tailored risk assessment in these pregnancies.

Impersonating predators and prey to study trophic interactions through real‐life simulations

Abstract Predator–prey interactions are a fundamental aspect of ecology that has generated sustained research interests. Progress in the field stems from a diverse range of approaches, from highly controlled yet simplified mathematical and agent‐based models, to grounded but data‐limited field studies. As a compromise between mathematical and observation‐oriented methods, we introduce an original approach based on an outdoor game. In this game, biologged human players follow simple rules to impersonate predators and prey in a natural landscape augmented with synthetic resource patches and refuges. We investigated the behaviour, movement, functional response and spatial organization of over 25 players simultaneously monitored during nine simulations to determine whether the game could replicate realistic predator–prey dynamics. Results derived from our real‐life simulations were consistent with ecological patterns expected in natural systems. We found that (a) predator and prey movements were driven by risk and reward trade‐offs, (b) predators took advantage of linear features to travel at higher speed, making these areas risky for prey, (c) prey had nonlinear and risk‐sensitive functional responses and (d) consumer–resource interactions were spatially modular and defined by players' movement rates and landscape features. Moreover, the comprehensive dataset generated through the game allowed for the exploration of phenomena that are challenging to study in natural settings, such as spatial memory and the influence of satiety on resource acquisition rates. The approach offers a simple, computationally accessible and genuinely amusing way to explore the complex ramifications of predator–prey interactions and test otherwise data‐deficient hypotheses. The strength and originality of the method lies in the use of living agents—players—making decisions in a real‐world setting. This aspect alleviates the computational and empirical burden of defining and estimating decision‐related parameters needed to build simulators, while generating extensive datasets in a flexible experimental framework that is generally out of reach for empirical studies. It also offers immersive insights into predator–prey interactions, making it an engaging pedagogical tool that encourages creative thinking. The numerous possible scenarios that can be explored are only constrained by the investigator's creativity in adapting game rules and the players' desire to win.

Senolytic Treatment With Dasatinib and Quercetin Reshapes Influenza‐Specific CD8 T Cell Responses During Infection in Aged, Vaccinated Mice

ABSTRACT Older adults are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases like influenza (flu) due to immune declines and poor vaccine responses. Senolytics have been shown to improve various age‐related conditions and positively influence infection outcomes, yet their potential to enhance vaccine responses has not yet been explored. Here, we evaluated the potential of senolytic combination Dasatinib (D) and Quercetin (Q) treatment prior to influenza vaccination to potentiate immune responses in aged mice. D + Q had minimal impact on overall vaccination and flu outcomes in vaccinated mice, including viral load and lung pathology. However, we observed altered CD8 T cell immunodominance and increased serum total PR8 (whole flu) IgG antibodies in D + Q treated vaccinated aged mice during infection. These findings reveal a new aspect of immunomodulation with senolytics.

Anaphylaxis Induced by Goat's and Sheep's Milk: An Allergen That We Should Keep Under Surveillance

Reply to Correspondence: “Anaphylaxis Induced by Goat's and Sheep's Milk—A Rare Entity in Europe”

Congenital aniridia: European COST action ANIRIDIA ‐ NET guidelines for diagnosis, management and care

Abstract Congenital aniridia is a rare ocular disorder affecting the majority of eye structures and can be associated with systemic manifestations. The main visible phenotypic characteristic is the partial or complete absence of the iris; however, foveal hypoplasia is a more frequent and reliable clinical sign. Other ocular comorbidities are associated with the disease, such as cataract, keratopathy and optic nerve hypoplasia. Mutation in the PAX6 gene is the most common cause of congenital aniridia, but other causative mutations exist. The main ocular symptoms experienced by those with congenital aniridia are photophobia, glare, low visual acuity, dryness/irritation of the ocular surface and nystagmus. Management and follow‐up of patients with congenital aniridia can be challenging due to the lack of effective therapeutic options and the complexity of ocular manifestations and outcomes. These guidelines for the diagnosis, management and care of congenital aniridia have been developed at the European level, thanks to ANIRIDIA‐NET, based on a review of the scientific literature on clinical and molecular characterization, therapeutic options as well as non‐medical approaches.

Glucocorticoid Feedback on the Adult Suprachiasmatic Clock

cIMPACT ‐ NOW update 11: Proposal on adaptation of diagnostic criteria for IDH ‐ and H3 ‐wildtype diffuse high‐grade gliomas and for posterior fossa ependymal tumors

Abstract The Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to Central Nervous System Tumor Taxonomy (cIMPACT‐NOW) updates provide guidelines for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and suggestions for future World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Following publication of the fifth edition WHO Classification of CNS Tumors (WHO CNS5) in 2021, the cIMPACT‐NOW working group “Clarification” reviewed WHO CNS5 and prioritized two topics for further elucidation: (a) distinction of Glioblastoma, IDH‐wildtype from Diffuse pediatric‐type high‐grade glioma, H3‐wildtype, and IDH‐wildtype and (b) clarification of subgroups of posterior fossa (PF) ependymal tumors. Recommendations regarding the IDH‐ and H3‐wildtype diffuse high‐grade gliomas include: (1) use caution assigning CNS WHO grade 4 (diagnosis of Glioblastoma, IDH‐wildtype ) to a “ TERT promoter only”, histologically low‐grade, IDH‐wildtype tumor; (2) EGFR gene amplification and +7/−10 chromosome copy number alterations should not be used as solitary defining features for diagnosing high‐grade gliomas as Glioblastoma, IDH‐wildtype in patients <40 years of age; (3) Diffuse pediatric‐type high‐grade glioma, H3‐wildtype, and IDH‐wildtype should be considered in the differential diagnosis in adults, especially those <40 years of age; (4) PDGFRA alteration, EGFR alteration, or MYCN amplification count as key molecular features of Diffuse pediatric‐type high‐grade glioma, H3‐wildtype, and IDH‐wildtype only in patients <25 years. Guidelines for improved diagnosis of posterior fossa ependymal tumors include: (1) immunohistochemical demonstration of nuclear EZHIP supports classification as PF group A ependymoma ; (2) a PF ependymoma with retained nuclear H3 K27me3 expression and no nuclear EZHIP overexpression for which DNA methylation profiling is not performed should be considered as PF ependymoma, “not otherwise specified”; (3) for emerging tumors not included in WHO CNS5, “not elsewhere classified” (NEC) can be added to the diagnosis. Of note, these recommendations are not formal changes to the WHO definitions and diagnostic criteria but are intended to provide diagnostic guidance in advance of WHO CNS6.