Université Bourgogne Europe

From biological and artificial network perspectives, researchers have started acknowledging astrocytes as computational units mediating neural processes. Here, we propose a novel biologically inspired neuron-astrocyte network model for image recognition, one of the first attempts at implementing astrocytes in spiking neuron networks (SNNs) using a standard data set. The architecture for image recognition has three primary units: the preprocessing unit for converting the image pixels into spiking patterns, the neuron-astrocyte network forming bipartite (neural connections) and tripartite synapses (neural and astrocytic connections), and the classifier unit. In the astrocyte-mediated SNNs, an astrocyte integrates neural signals following the simplified Postnov model. It then modulates the integrate-and-fire (IF) neurons via gliotransmission, thereby strengthening the synaptic connections of the neurons within the astrocytic territory. We develop an architecture derived from a baseline SNN model for unsupervised digit classification. The spiking neuron-astrocyte networks (SNANs) display better network performance with an optimal variance-bias trade-off than SNN alone. We demonstrate that astrocytes promote faster learning, support memory formation and recognition, and provide a simplified network architecture. Our proposed SNAN can serve as a benchmark for future researchers on astrocyte implementation in artificial networks, particularly in neuromorphic systems, for its simplified design.

A substantial body of research indicates that fitness-relevant entities (e.g., animate and threatening entities) are more readily recalled than nonfitness-relevant entities (e.g., inanimate and nonthreatening entities). However, little research has examined whether these effects persist when memory for their spatial location is tested even though this is an important issue for the ultimate explanation of these biases. To address this issue further, two experiments were conducted to examine whether animates (Experiment 1) and threats (Experiment 2) could benefit from a processing advantage in location memory. In both experiments, adults were asked to play Memory games (concentration games) on a digital tablet. The number of errors made in matching pairs of cards was recorded, as was the mean Euclidean distance between the location of the correct card and the location of the selected card in cases of error. We also investigated the extent to which the emotional dimensions of the stimuli (i.e., arousal, valence, and emotional intensity) could act as potential proximate mechanisms underlying the effects of animacy and threat on location memory. Consistent with the adaptive memory view (Nairne, 2016), our findings indicated that both animacy and threat enhanced location memory in adults. Furthermore, emotional intensity emerged as a valuable emotional variable for further investigation, as it consistently correlated with free-recall scores for both the animacy and threat effects.

The intraseasonal variability (ISV) of the stratiform cloud cover over Western Equatorial Africa (WEA) is analysed during the dry season (June–September, JJAS 1971–2019). Each JJAS daily sequence of a regional‐scale index of the stratiform cloud cover could be assimilated as a red‐noise process, without any significant recurrent periodicities. At local scale, cloudier conditions than usual are preceded by and synchronised with sustained easterly wind and warm anomalies near the top (850 hPa) and above the stratiform cloud deck, indicating higher stability. Anomalous easterlies or northeasterlies bring also anomalously moist air from either the Congo Basin or the West‐African rainbelt region to WEA. At low levels (<850 hPa), there is a clear switch between antecedent warm easterlies and synchronous cool and dry westerlies from the cold‐tongue area over the equatorial Atlantic. This switch may reflect a negative feedback loop, operating on a short time‐scale (i.e., ˜3–5 days) and involving low‐level thermal and geopotential gradients, zonal winds between the cold‐tongue area and the Congo Basin, as well as the deep convection over the latter region. Kelvin waves appear to be a possible trigger of this loop, which could be sustained internally. Another main process operates at longer time‐scales (i.e., ˜6–10 days) and involves a near‐standing Rossby wave over the South Atlantic and adjacent southern Africa. A ridge over the central South Atlantic and downstream trough over southern Africa lead to an overall strengthening of the St. Helena high, and increased thermal and geopotential gradients between the southeast South Atlantic and southern Africa. The ridge–trough couple is also related to an anomalous warming over equatorial Africa in the middle troposphere associated with increased lower‐tropospheric stability over WEA a few days later. All these mechanisms contribute to the knowledge regarding the intraseasonal atmospheric variations over equatorial Africa during boreal summer.

OBJECTIVES This study provides a thorough analysis of cardiac surgeons' involvement in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) activities in France, covering decision-making, procedural roles, training, and outcome analysis. METHODS A nationwide survey was sent to all cardiac surgeons and all cardiac surgery trainees in France. Subgroup analysis was performed for age, status (established versus in-training), and type of practice facility. RESULTS A total of 172 surgeons from both private and public sectors responded to the survey. Most respondents, 71%, had TAVR activity, and there were no significant differences between subgroups. Most respondents with TAVR activities, 30%, had average access (once per week). Almost one-third of centers had >3 established surgeons with TAVR activity, whereas 19% had no in-training surgeons with TAVR activity. TAVR was the only structural practice for 67% of surgeons, while 33% practiced other structural procedures. When asked, 82% of surgeons were against establishing TAVR programs in centers without a cardiac surgery program. Most TAVR patients, 72%, were discussed by the Heart Team, and only 9% of surgeons said their relationship with the interventional cardiologist was disrupted. Two-thirds of vascular complications were managed by cardiac surgery, and only 6% of cardiac surgeons admitted were unfit to handle any vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS In France, cardiac surgeons are becoming increasingly involved in TAVR procedures as an integral part of the Heart Team.

Clinical features of psychomotor disadaptation syndrome (PDS) include posture, gait, psycho-behavioral, and neurological disorders, which increase the risk of falling. Psychomotor regression syndrome, described in 1986, was renamed PDS following improvements in its pathophysiological understanding, including the preeminent role of subcortical-frontal lesions. Because frailty in aging contributes to the appearance of PDS, the geriatric professionals need to be aware of its existence. This article aims to provide a scoping review on PDS. Moreover, we searched for epidemiological studies and assessed whether or not all the aspects of PDS are recognized. The studies were retrieved from three electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) using these terms: psychomotor disadaptation syndrome, psychomotor regression syndrome, frontal-sub-cortical dysfunction syndrome, backward disequilibrium, retropulsion, post-fall syndrome, reactional hypertonia, axial akinesia, and older adults. Out of 456 shortlisted articles, 45 met the inclusion criteria. Our results show that PDS is poorly known, especially outside of France, which had the largest number of published studies on this syndrome. Abroad, only three aspects have been described (post-fall syndrome, retropulsion, and fear of falling). Often, they are not recognized as belonging to a real syndrome, but rather an association of signs. Post-fall syndrome, found in 14 studies, is the best known and most studied aspect of PDS. There were no epidemiological studies. With the increasing number of frail older adults, there will be an inevitable growth in the incidence of PDS. Raising awareness about PDS among medical and paramedical geriatrics professionals is essential.

An older woman with a history of coronary artery disease presents with dyspnea upon exertion. A transthoracic echocardiogram reveals severe mitral regurgitation, and an electrocardiogram reveals sinus tachycardia with left bundle branch block. What would you do next?

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) are rare in adolescent and young adult (AYA). These conditions, similar to those in older patients, are linked with thrombotic complications and the potential progression to secondary myelofibrosis (sMF). This retrospective study of ET and PV patients diagnosed before age 25 evaluated complication rates and impact of cytoreductive drugs on outcomes. Among 348 patients (278 ET, 70 PV) with a median age of 20 years, the of thrombotic events was 1.9 per 100 patient-years. Risk factors for thrombosis included elevated white blood cell count (>11 × 10⁹/L) (HR: 2.7, p = 0.012) and absence of splenomegaly at diagnosis (HR: 5.7, p = 0.026), while cytoreductive drugs did not reduce this risk. The incidence of sMF was 0.7 per 100 patient-years. CALR mutation (HR: 6.0, p < 0.001) and a history of thrombosis (HR: 3.8, p = 0.015) were associated with sMF risk. Interferon as a first-line treatment significantly improved myelofibrosis-free survival compared to other treatments or the absence of cytoreduction (p = 0.046). Although cytoreduction did not affect thrombotic event, early interferon use reduced sMF risk. These findings support interferon use to mitigate sMF risk in AYA ET and PV patients.

A key factor in the appearance of metal flake-pigmented coatings (MF-PCs) is the orientation of the metal flakes, which affects the coating's luster (at large distances) and visual texture (up close). This study introduces a dome-based reflectance transformation imaging (RTI) system to estimate metal flakes’ orientation using intensity multi-light image collections (MLICs) and an algebraic reflectance map inversion algorithm. The flake's angles and 2D/3D probability density functions (PDFs) were derived from this, and a new orientation index (OI) for MF-PCs. The impact of metal flakes’ orientation on appearance was assessed using the lightness flop index (LFI), sparkle (SG), and graininess grades (GG). Results show that the LFI and GG increase as the OI decreases, while SG at 15° rises with higher orientation but decreases at 45° and 75°. Additionally, a non-linear negative exponential relationship between the OI and LFI was observed, highlighting orientation as a significant dimension in predicting MF-PC’s appearance.

Understanding how memories are retained over time provides deeper insight into what makes experiences impactful and memorable in the long term. This study examines how tourists recall past experiences and identifies key elements that contribute to the transformation of tourism experiences into long-term memory. Using a longitudinal approach, this research tracked memory traces from a group tour in London through self-reporting and in-depth interviews conducted at three intervals: onsite, three weeks post-trip, and three months post-trip. Grounded theory analysis identified five key characteristics that shape the dynamics of long-term recollection in tourism experiences. The findings advance theoretical understanding by demonstrating how memory recollection influences the perceived significance of experiences through the appreciation of experience value and emotional responses. This study contributes to broader discussions on the lasting impact of tourism experiences and provides insights for designing memorable experiences in destination marketing and tourism product conceptualization.

To compare the radiological and histological effects of three different cyanoacrylate glues used for in vivo renal artery embolization in rabbits. N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), NBCA-methacryloxysulfolane (NBCA-MS), and α-hexyl-cyanoacrylate (AHCA) were each used to embolize five renal arteries under free-flow conditions with a 1:3 glue/ethiodized oil ratio. The rabbits were euthanized 30 min after embolization. Micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to assess glue cast distribution (extent of penetration into the vascular tree), fragmentation (presence of discontinuities within the cast), and heterogeneity (variability in cast density). Histological slides were analyzed for lumen dilatation, intimal arteritis, necrosis, and peri-arterial edema. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Glue penetration into interlobar and corticomedullary arteries was observed consistently in all three groups. Fragmentation scores showed no significant differences between glue types, but AHCA demonstrated significantly lower heterogeneity in proximal arteries compared to NBCA-MS (P = 0.019). Severe lumen dilatation and intimal necrosis were observed in all samples, whereas intimal arteritis was significantly less severe with AHCA compared to NBCA-MS (P < 0.001). No significant differences in peri-arterial edema were found between groups. Micro-CT features were similar with all three glues. AHCA produced greater cast uniformity and less intimal arteritis, suggesting a role in endovascular embolization.

We consider nonlinear dispersive equations of Schrödinger-type involving fractional powers $0<s\le 1$ of the Laplacian and a defocusing power-law nonlinearity. We conduct numerical simulations in the case of small, energy supercritical s and provide evidence for a novel type of highly oscillatory singularity within the solution.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has revolutionized treatment, providing durable responses in a subset of patients. However, with fewer than 50% of patients achieving significant benefits, there is a critical need to expand therapeutic strategies. This review explores emerging targets in immune checkpoint inhibition beyond PD-1/PD-L1, including CTLA-4, TIGIT, LAG-3, TIM-3, NKG2A, and CD39/CD73. We highlight the biological basis of CD8 T cell exhaustion in shaping the antitumor immune response. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting additional inhibitory receptors (IR) are discussed, with a focus on their distinct mechanisms of action and combinatory potential with existing therapies. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain in overcoming resistance mechanisms and optimizing patient selection. This review underscores the importance of dual checkpoint blockade and innovative bispecific antibody engineering to maximize therapeutic outcomes for NSCLC patients.

Background/Objectives: An increase in body fat is linked to abnormalities in energy metabolism. We aimed at determining cardiometabolic risk in Algerian participants with obesity alone and with or without type 2 diabetes. The study measured the concentrations of circulating adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to identify and examine how imbalances in adipocytokines may affect the parameters of cardiometabolic health. Methods: Algerian participants (n = 300) were recruited and divided into three groups: control, obese, and type 2 diabetics (with two sub-groups: with and without obesity). Insulin resistance was evaluated using HOMA-IR, while ELISA was used to measure adipocytokines. Atherogenic index in plasma (AIP), adiponectin-leptin ratio (ALR), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were also assessed. One-way ANOVA was used to compare obesity and diabetes groups to the control one (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to strengthen the robustness of statistical correlations. Results: Participants with reduced adiponectin-leptin ratio (ALR) and elevated levels of resistin, TNF-α, and IL-6 are found to be at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. An imbalance in adipocytokine levels is caused by a decrease in adiponectin concentrations, and an increase in pro-inflammatory adipocytokines that maintain and exacerbate energy imbalance and induces hyperinsulinemia, exposing individuals to a high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: Given that ALR is a functional biomarker of inflammation, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue dysfunction, targeting ALR could potentially be a therapeutic approach to coping with obesity-related cardiometabolic risks. Mediterranean diet, weight loss, and increased physical activity can be key components to promote healthy adipose tissue through the increase in ALR.

This cohort study examines the safety and efficacy of rituximab for patients with pempigus foliaceus.

Background and Purpose Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease characterized by fibroblast activation and abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix in the lungs. We previously demonstrated the importance of the heat shock protein αB‐crystallin (HSPB5) in TGF‐β1 profibrotic signalling, which suggests that HSPB5 could be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of IPF. The purpose of this study was thus to develop antisense oligonucleotides targeting HSPB5 and to study their effects on the development of experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Experimental Approach Specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) were designed and screened in vitro, based on their ability to inhibit human and murine HSPB5 expression. The selected ASO22 was characterized in vitro in human fibroblast CCD‐19Lu cells and A549 epithelial pulmonary cells, as well as in vivo using a mouse model of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Key Results ASO22 was selected for its capacity to inhibit TGF‐β1‐induced expression of HSPB5 and additional key markers of fibrosis such as plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, collagen, fibronectin and α‐smooth muscle actin in fibroblastic human CCD‐19Lu cells as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and α‐smooth muscle actin in pulmonary epithelial A549 cells. Intra‐tracheal or intravenous administration of ASO22 in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrotic mice decreased HSPB5 expression and reduced fibrosis, as demonstrated by decreased pulmonary remodelling, collagen accumulation and Acta2 and Col1a1 expression. Conclusion and Implications Our results suggest that an antisense oligonucleotide strategy targeting HSPB5 could be of interest for the treatment of IPF.

Background In highly constrained ecosystems such as in the Arctic, animals must constantly adjust their movements to cope with the highly versatile environmental conditions. However, to date most studies have focused on interseasonal differences in spatial behaviour, while intraseasonal dynamics are less described. Methods To fill this knowledge gap, we studied the movement patterns of an Arctic predator, the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) at the intraseasonal scale. To unravel temporal patterns in space use and movement metrics, we used GPS data collected on 20 individual foxes between 2017 and 2023 in North-East Greenland. Results We showed that weekly full and core home range sizes (estimated by means of Autocorrelated Kernel Density Estimates), and daily mean relative turning angles stayed constant throughout the summer. Conversely, daily distance travelled, mean daily speed and daily proportion of ‘active’ time showed intraseasonal variations. These fine-scale metrics had a hump-shaped distribution, peaking in mid-July, with males and non-breeding foxes travelling longer distances and being faster. Site-specific patterns were also identified, with foxes having smaller territories in the two most productive sites but moving shorter distances and at lower speeds at the poorest site. Conclusion Our study provides novel insights into how predators adjust their space use and behaviour to intraseasonal variations in environmental conditions. Specifically, we show that different movement metrics show different intraseasonal patterns. We also underline the importance of considering small spatiotemporal scales to fully understand predators’ spatial behaviour.

We report herein novel polyarylated diphenylphosphino‐1‐fluoranthenyl ligands by rhodium‐catalyzed phosphine‐directed C−H arylation. The nature of the rhodium precatalysts that is employed plays an essential role for the control of the reaction and its resulting product. By using the dimeric [Rh(III)Cl2Cp*]2 as the catalyst, a “classical” single peri‐functionalization of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phosphine selectively occurs. Conversely, the use of the ionic [Rh(I)(COD)2] BF4 as the catalyst reveals an unexpected post‐rearrangement that is characterized by the migration of the directing phosphino‐group on the inserted aryl moiety. In this process, a concurrent cascade extension of the functionalization is also achieved by the introduction of a second aryl moiety. We focused our attention on the rhodium catalytic species formed, and the five or seven‐membered rhodacycles as intermediates involved in these C−H catalytic cascade processes. Besides the electronic effects attached to Rh(I) and Rh(III) precatalysts, either cationic or neutral, our results clearly suggest the role of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl substituent in the selectivity of peri‐C−H‐arylation. Conversely, rhodium stabilized by weakly bonded more fluxional bis‐cyclooctadienyl ligands enters more easily into further reactivity, promoting 2‐fold arylation reactions or even participate to diphenylphosphino group rearrangement.

Objectives Among critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) who lack emergent indications for renal replacement therapy (RRT), a strategy of preemptive RRT initiation does not lead to improved outcomes. However, for patients with persistent AKI and without urgent indications for RRT, the safety of prolonged delays in RRT initiation is unclear. We sought to assess the association between progressively longer delays in RRT initiation and clinical outcomes. Design A post hoc secondary analysis. Setting The multinational STandard vs. Accelerated initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury (STARRT-AKI) trial. Patients Participants allocated to the standard strategy of the STARRT-AKI trial. Interventions The exposure was time from randomization to RRT initiation, evaluated in quartiles and as a continuous variable. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were RRT dependence, RRT-free days, and hospital-free days, all at 90 days, as well length of ICU and hospital stay. Of the 1462 participants allocated to the standard strategy group, 903 (62%) received RRT. Median time (interquartile range) to RRT initiation was 12.1 hours (8.3–13.8 hr), 24.5 hours (21.8–26.5 hr), 46.8 hours (35.2–52.1 hr), and 96.1 hours (76.7–139.2 hr) in quartiles 1–4, respectively. Prolonged time to RRT initiation was associated with a lower risk of death at 90 days (quartile 4 vs. 1: adjusted odds ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.42–0.94]); further analyses using cubic splines and inverse probability weighting to account for immortal time bias showed no association with the risk of death. There was no association between time to RRT initiation and RRT-free days, hospital-free days, or lengths of ICU or hospital stay. Longer delay to RRT initiation had a linear association with RRT dependence at 90 days. Conclusions Among patients with no urgent indications and who received RRT in the standard strategy of the STARRT-AKI trial, longer deferral of RRT initiation was not associated with a higher risk of mortality.