Early Transition Research Articles

Health-related quality of life across menopausal stages among middle-aged Korean women.

We examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during menopause transition (MT) among middle-aged Korean women. This cross-sectional study comprised 2,290 middle-aged women who completed web-based questionnaires between 2020 and 2022. Based on self-reported menstrual cycle patterns, menopause status was classified as premenopausal, early or late transition, or postmenopausal. HRQoL was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information system, with all 29 items scored using a T-score metric. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate whether HRQoL varied based on MT stages. Antimüllerian hormone levels were used as an objective measure instead of self-reported menstrual status in the sensitivity analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence ratios for moderate or severe HRQoL symptoms across menopausal stages. The mean T-scores for anxiety, depression, and pain interference and intensity were significantly higher with advancing menopausal stage. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, pain interference, and intensity were significantly and linearly positively correlated with MT stages after adjusting for potential confounders. Physical function significantly worsened in the late transition stage compared with premenopausal status ( β = -1.51 [95% CI, -2.72 to -0.31] in late MT and β = -1.92 [95% CI, -3.46 to -0.37] in postmenopause, P for trend = 0.007). However, no significant trends were observed in the sensitivity analysis using antimüllerian hormone levels. Women with moderate or severe symptoms in all domains except physical function had significantly higher prevalence ratios according to MT. Overall HRQoL was lower with advancing menopausal stages. All symptoms should be monitored to control early transition symptoms. Thus, women undergoing MT should consistently assess and manage not only menopausal symptoms but also the overall quality of their health to prevent both menopause-specific and nonspecific conditions and their consequences.

Catalytic H/D exchange of (hetero)arenes with early-late polyhydride heterobimetallic complexes: impact of transition metal pairs.

Metal-catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) has become a valuable method for incorporating deuterium and tritium into organic molecules, with applications in a wide range of scientific fields. This study explores the role of transition metal cooperativity in enhancing catalytic hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange using early-late heterobimetallic polyhydride (ELHB) complexes. A series of four ELHB complexes, of general formula [M(CH2tBu)3(H)xM'Cp*], combining early transition metals (M = Hf, Ta) with late metals (M' = Ir, Os), were synthesized and evaluated for their catalytic activity in HIE of (hetero)arenes. Hafnium-iridium and hafnium-osmium complexes showed a clear improvement in catalytic efficiency and reaction rate over monometallic analogues, suggestive of metal-metal synergy. Conversely, the tantalum-based heterobimetallic complexes showed lower catalytic performance, revealing that not all metal combinations are equally effective. These results underline the importance of careful metal selection to optimize transition metal cooperativity, and open up new possibilities for the design of more efficient H/D exchange catalysts.

Mode of Delivery and Neonatal Transition: Insights from Electrical Cardiometry

Background/Objectives: Examining hemodynamic changes during the early transition period aids in identifying variations in neonatal outcomes linked to ante- or intrapartum events. It facilitates the recognition of potential impacts stemming from common intrapartum management practices. The current literature provides scant insights into cardio-circulatory changes during the crucial first 10 min after birth. The application of Electrical Cardiometry (EC) emerges as a valuable noninvasive clinical tool for measuring neonatal hemodynamics. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess hemodynamic variables, including heart rate (HR), stroke volume index (SVI), index of contractility (ICON), and cardiac output index (COI) during the first hour of life in late preterm and full-term infants. Additionally, this study investigated the relationship between the mode of delivery and cardiovascular adaptation. Methods: Two hundred infants, encompassing both full-term and preterm, were enrolled, with categorization into four groups based on mode of delivery and gestational age. Hemodynamic variables were continuously evaluated using an EC device throughout the first hour of life. Findings: A significant decreasing trend was observed in HR, SVI, COI, and ICON over the first hour of life (p < 0.001). Infants delivered vaginally exhibited significantly higher HR, COI, SVI, and ICON compared to those born via Cesarean section (CS) (p = 0.006 and <0.001 and 0.035 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study highlights a consistent decreasing trend in HR, SVI, COI, and ICON over the first hour of life in both full-term and preterm infants. Notably, hemodynamic variables exhibited heightened levels in infants delivered vaginally compared to those born by CS.

Evolution of Southern Plains Supercells and Tornadoes through the Early Evening Transition

Long-lived supercells and tornadoes often persist into the night and present a significant risk to society. While there is some understanding of the initiation and maintenance of these storms during the day, less is known about how they evolve through the environmental changes of the early evening transition (EET). This study compares near-storm environments of different supercell evolution types and tornadic vs non-tornadic supercells in the Southern Plains using parameters derived from Rapid Refresh (RAP) model analysis gridpoint soundings. Results indicate that environmental characteristics that modulate supercell maintenance may be different than those previously shown to modulate supercell intensity. Most notably, long-lived nocturnal supercells occur in environments with significantly less convective inhibition (CIN) than other evolution types. It is also shown that the differences between tornadic and non tornadic supercell environments differ before and after sunset. Finally, there are relatively few differences in the environments of tornadic supercells when they are producing a tornado compared to when they are not.

P0962 Relationship between Total Corticosteroid Dose Prior to Advanced Therapy Induction and Primary Non-Response

Abstract Background The PROFILE study1) highlighted the importance of top-down treatment with Advanced Therapy (AT) in Crohn’s disease. In ulcerative colitis (UC), the corticosteroid (CS) treatment cascade remains crucial for selecting AT candidates. CS treatment efficacy decreases with repeated use, affecting therapeutic outcomes of GMA and carotegrast. We hypothesized that total CS dose impacts subsequent AT efficacy and examined this relationship to optimize AT induction timing. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of UC patients diagnosed after January 2010, analyzing the correlation between total CS dose prior to initial AT administration and AT response. Patients using steroids for other diseases or with incomplete CS dose information were excluded. Variables assessed included onset age, sex, disease extent, activity (PRO2), treatment details, and treatment failure rates. Nominal variables were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analysis. Results Data from 92 UC patients (44 males) were analyzed. Median onset age was 41.5 years, with median AT induction age of 46.5 years. Disease extent: total colitis/left-sided/rectum = 57/33/2. Mean total CS dose before AT initiation was 1,743.2 mg, with a mean 479.1 days between CS initiation and AT start. AT breakdown: IFX/ADA/GLM/VDZ/UST/UPA/TOF/FIL = 37/19/13/13/6/2/1/1. Median PRO2 at AT initiation was 4. (TABLE 1) Primary non-response (PNR) occurred in 23 cases (24.0%), and loss of response (LOR) in 18 cases (18.8%). Multivariate analysis identified total CS dose ≥3,000 mg as a significant risk factor for PNR (OR 4.21, 95%CI 1.32-13.5, p=0.02). (TABLE 2) No risk factors were identified for LOR. Conclusion As previously reported, elderly-onset UC requires careful management due to potentially poor treatment response. The total CS dose appears to significantly impact primary non-response, suggesting that early transition to Advanced Therapy may be crucial for optimal patient outcomes. References 1)Nurulamin MN. A biomarker-stratified comparison of top-down versus accelerated step-up treatment strategies for patients with newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease (PROFILE). Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024;9(5):415-427 doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00034-7

Damage and permeability of gassy coal in loading – Unloading path

To effectively prevent dynamic gas disasters, the adding vertical and unloading radial stress were investigated in laboratory and numerical simulation experiments. The objective about the research was to ascertain how various gas pressures and loading rates affected permeability and damage deformation. The results conclude that shear failure predominates in gassy coal, a rise in loading rate causes the permeability to mutate more slowly, and the plastic strain gradually decreases at the yield, peak, and post-peak stable points in gassy coal. As well, a rise in gas pressure causes an earlier transition from compression to expansion state of specimens, enhances permeability, and rises the plastic strain at specified points. Furthermore, the study focuses on the meso-scale failure and permeability characteristics. During failure, the seepage channel within the coal body gradually transitions from a vertical orientation to irregular deformation. In addition, a damage model is formulated centered around energy consumption, demonstrating that damage evolution curves exhibit an ‘ S’ shape with vertical strain. Meanwhile, higher axial loading rates delay the onset of unstable crack propagation, but raising gas pressure quickens the pace of damage to specimens. The conclusions of this research hold significant practical implications for mitigating coal-rock gas dynamic disasters.

Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Sepsis Care Pathways-Qualitative Pilot Expert Interviews.

Background/Objectives: Despite recent decades' rapid advances in the management of patients with sepsis and septic shock, global sepsis mortality and post-acute sepsis morbidity rates remain high. Our aim was, therefore, to provide a first overview of sepsis care pathways as well as barriers and supportive conditions for optimal pre-clinical, clinical, and post-acute sepsis care in Germany. Methods: Between May and September 2023, we conducted semi-structured, video-based, one-to-one pilot expert interviews with healthcare professionals representing pre-hospital, clinical, and post-acute care settings. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to the principles of Mayring's content analysis. Results: The eight interviewed professionals identified perceived critical success factors along the entire care pathway with regard to early detection (e.g., disease awareness), early acute treatment (e.g., unknown origin of infection), rehabilitation/aftercare (e.g., availability of primary care actors), and patient transitions within and between sectors (e.g., advance notice of patient arrival). These critical factors comprised: (1) the characteristics of the staff providing care (e.g., available experience), (2) the aids/utilities used (e.g., SOPs), (3) the presentation of the disease (e.g., clear symptoms), (4) the workplace (e.g., high workload), and (5) the cooperation between the staff caring for the patient (e.g., announced and standardized handovers). Conclusions: Apart from the specific recommendations that can be derived from the individual factors presented, it can be summarized that all levels of care seem only to be purposeful if providers collaborate and communicate efficiently (i.e., correct triage, multiple-eye principle, transfer management, provision of content-rich medical/discharge letters).

Rational Design of Prussian Blue Analogues for Ultralong and Wide-Temperature-Range Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Architecting Prussian blue analogue (PBA) cathodes with optimized synergistic bimetallic reaction centers is a paradigmatic strategy for devising high-energy sodium-ion batteries (SIBs); however, these cathodes usually suffer from fast capacity fading and sluggish reaction kinetics. To alleviate the above problems, herein, a series of early transition metal (ETM)-late transition metal (LTM)-based PBA (Fe-VO, Fe-TiO, Fe-ZrO, Co-VO, and Fe-Co-VO) cathode materials have been conveniently fabricated via an "acid-assisted synthesis" strategy. As a paradigm, the FeVO-PBA (FV) delivers a superb rate capability (148.9 and 56.1 mAh/g under 0.5 and 100 C, respectively), remarkable cycling stability over 30,000 cycles, high energy density (259.7 Wh/kg for the full cell), and a wide operation-temperature range (-60-80 °C). In situ/ex situ techniques and density functional theory calculations reveal the quasi-zero-strain and multielectron redox mechanisms of the FeVO-PBA cathode during cycling, supporting its higher specific capacity and stable cycling. It is considered that the d-d electron compensation effect between Fe and V enhanced the reversibility and kinetics of redox reactions and simultaneously improved the electronic conductivity and structural stability of the FeVO-PBA cathode. This work may pave a new way for the rational design of high-performance cathode materials with bimetallic reaction centers for SIBs.

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in the province of Essaouira, Morocco

Low- and middle-income countries are facing a rapid increase in nutritional problems, particularly in Africa, where undernutrition, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies coexist, creating a double burden of malnutrition and a challenge to public health policies. In this context, Morocco stands out for its early nutritional transition, characterized by a moderate prevalence of overweight and undernutrition and elevated levels of micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the weight status of women of childbearing age and identify its determinants to suggest ways to improve it. The study was conducted in the province of Essaouira in Morocco, which is characterized by a predominance of rural areas and multidimensional poverty. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 1,466 married women of childbearing age via stratified random sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and anthropometric measurements; we applied the WHO curves to classify BMI. Data entry and statistical processing were performed via SPSS® v. 26. The results show that women’s weight status is worrisome, with an average BMI of 26.4 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight was 61.6% (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), with 17.9% of women being obese. Bivariate analysis revealed that age, education level, socioprofessional activity, family structure, household income and parity were significantly associated with overweight. Binary logistic regression confirmed that women’s age and level of education are major determinants of overweight/obesity. There is a need to strengthen public health policies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Morocco, with an emphasis on nutrition education and monitoring their weight status throughout their reproductive lives.

The Historical and Clinical Foundations of the Modern Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.

The subspecialty of neurocritical care has grown significantly over the past 40years along with advancements in the medical and surgical management of neurological emergencies. The modern neuroscience intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) is grounded in close collaboration between neurointensivists and neurosurgeons in the management of patients with such conditions as ischemic stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematomas, and traumatic brain injury. Neuro-ICUs are also capable of specialized monitoring such as serial neurological examinations by trained neuro-ICU nurses; invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure, cerebral oxygenation, and cerebral hemodynamics; cerebral microdialysis; and noninvasive monitoring, including the use of pupillometry, ultrasound monitoring of optic nerve sheath diameters, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and continuous electroencephalography. Neuro-ICUs are also capable of specialized neuroprotective management of medical complications, including sodium disorders, renal failure, respiratory failure, and hypertension. These units depend on an interdisciplinary team including speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers and case managers, who work to implement early mobilization and successful transition to rehabilitation centers. There are numerous models of neuro-ICUs ranging from "open" units in which patients are cared for in an ICU by an admitting attending, generally without involvement of an intensivist, to "semi-open" units in which intensivists act as consultants, to "closed" units in which the neurointensivist is the admitting attending. The utilization of neuro-ICUs is associated with improved outcomes including lower mortality rates, decreased ICU and hospital length of stay, and improved functional outcomes.

Metastable layered lithium-rich niobium and tantalum oxides via nearly instantaneous cation exchange.

Lithium-rich early transition metal oxides are the source of excess removeable lithium that affords high energy density to lithium-rich battery cathodes. They are also candidates for solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries. These highly ionic compounds are sparse on phase diagrams of thermodynamically stable oxides, but soft chemical routes offer an alternative to explore new alkali-rich crystal chemistries. In this work, a new layered polymorph of Li3NbO4 with coplanar [Nb4O16]12- clusters is discovered through ion exchange chemistry. A more detailed study of the ion exchange reaction reveals that it takes place almost instantaneously, changing the crystal volume by more than 22% within seconds. The transformation of coplanar [Nb4O16]12- in L-Li3NbO4 into the supertetrahedral [Nb4O16]12- clusters found in the stable cubic c-Li3NbO4 is also explored. Furthermore, this synthetic pathway is extended to access a new layered polymorph of Li3TaO4. NMR crystallography with 6,7Li, 23Na, and 93Nb NMR, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and first-principles calculations is applied to A3MO4 (A = Li, Na; M = Nb, Ta) to identify local and long-range atomic structure, to monitor the unusually rapid reaction progression, and to track the phase transitions from the metastable layered phases to the known compounds found using high-temperature synthesis. A mechanism is proposed whereby some sodium is retained at short reaction times, which then undergoes proton exchange during water washing, forming a phase with hydrogen bonds bridging the coplanar [Nb4O16]12- clusters. This study has implications for lithium-rich transition metal oxides and associated battery materials and for ion exchange chemistry in non-framework structures. The role of techniques that can detect light elements, local structure, and subtle structural changes in soft-chemical synthesis is emphasized.

DO TRAJECTORIES OF SELF-IDENTIFIED RETIREMENT STATUS PREDICT HEALTH AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES?

Abstract Few studies examined the ways older workers self-identify their retirement status (named ‘retirement identity’) over time before exiting the workforce. Examining the trajectories of retirement identity transitions – between “not retired”, “partly retired”, and “completely retired” – clarifies the heterogeneous outcomes found in ‘static’ retirement identity. In this study, we distinguish and categorize these trajectories using sequence analysis, investigate the common sociodemographic and economic characteristics for each trajectory using multinomial logistic regression, and examine the associations between these trajectories and the physical and mental health conditions of older workers using latent growth modeling. Drawing on a sample of respondents from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 1992 to 2020, we use the first nine waves of the initial HRS birth cohort (born 1931-1936, recruited in 1992, N=1,487) and the Early Baby Boomers (born 1948-1953, recruited in 2004, N=1,017). We determine and name four distinct categories of trajectories – early, late, traditional, and partial transitions – based on the timing and sequence of transitions. The membership of these trajectories is strongly associated with the birth cohort, educational attainment, labor income from career jobs, and household wealth. The latent growth modeling reveals that workers in late or partial transition trajectories tend to have better initial physical, mental, and cognitive health and experience slower deterioration of these than those in early or traditional transition trajectories. These results suggest a close relationship between health and self-identification of retirement status that may influence the work attachment and timing of workforce exit.

Metal-Independent Correlations for Site-Specific Binding Energies of Relevant Catalytic Intermediates.

Establishing energy correlations among different metals can accelerate the discovery of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for complex reactions. Using a recently introduced coordination-based model, we can predict site-specific metal binding energies (ΔE M) that can be used as a descriptor for chemical reactions. In this study, we have examined a range of metals including Ag, Au, Co, Cu, Ir, Ni, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ru and found linear correlations between predicted ΔE M and adsorption energies of CH and O (ΔE CH and ΔE O) at various coordination environments for all the considered metals. Interestingly, all the metals correlate with one another under specific surface site coordination, indicating that different metals are interrelated in a particular coordination environment. Furthermore, we have tested and verified for PtPd- and PtIr-based alloys that they follow a similar behavior. Moreover, we have expanded the metal space by taking some early transition metals along with a few s-block metals and shown a cyclic behavior of the adsorbate binding energy (ΔE A) versus ΔE M. Therefore, ΔE CH and ΔE O can be efficiently interpolated between metals, alloys, and intermetallics based on information related to one metal only. This simplifies the process of screening new metal catalyst formulations and their reaction energies.

Strategies to Guide Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes Management and Transition of Care: A State-Of-The-Art Review.

The aim of the study was to synthesise current evidence on the transition of type 1 diabetes management responsibility from caregiver to child. A state-of-the-art review was conducted. Using Rayyan software, two authors independently performed the study selection. CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant articles that focused on children ages 1-19 who were transitioning care of paediatric type 1 diabetes. The last search was performed on 17 October 2023. Thirty-seven studies conducted in four different countries were included following abstract screening, full-text review and assessment for risk of bias-23 quantitative, 13 qualitative and one mixed method. One study examined early childhood transition, five studies examined middle childhood and 31 studies examined transition strategies utilised in later childhood. Themes in clinician and caregiver transition interventions were identified. Findings can inform the development and refinement of transition interventions to help clinicians and caregivers ensure a successful transition of type 1 diabetes management to the paediatric patient. A rigorous investigation to validate strategies for different age groups is needed. To support this process and improve type 1 diabetes mellitus outcomes for paediatric patients, research and recommendations should be further reviewed to assist in tailoring interventions accordingly. Effective transition management strategies to shift responsibility from caregiver to child are increasingly important to ensuring safe self-management of paediatric type 1 diabetes. Reviews on type 1 diabetes transition management strategies for youth are needed. In this systematic review, we highlight transition strategies for children ages 1-19 who were transitioning care of paediatric type 1 diabetes. Findings offer insight on long-term diabetes management to improve patient outcomes in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. No patient or public contribution was required in this review.

Early player transition in elite youth and first team soccer: The predictive role of sprint distance and high-intensity acceleration and deceleration attributes

Physical performance is an important determinant of elite youth soccer player development and can influence successful transition through the professional phase of the talent development pathway. In response to previous research highlighting key stakeholders’ perceptions that successful transitions within the club pathway are influenced by sprinting capacity and explosive power; this study objectively quantified the predictive value of sprint distance and high intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts on the early transition of elite, professional youth soccer players from U18 to U21, and U21 to first team squads of a Scottish Premier League club. Early transition was defined as a player progressing to the next age group (i.e., U18 to U21) prior to reaching the chronological age limits of his current squad. Retrospective physical performance data of thirty-seven players from training and competitive matches across two seasons were analysed. Results suggest that early transition is less likely for players progressing from the U21 to the first team relative to players progressing from U18 to U21. Relative sprint distance resulted in a 52% probability of early transition (OR = 0.52) with relative aggregated high intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts reflecting an increased probability of early transition (OR = 1.70) for elite youth soccer players within the club. This novel study provides a unique insight to the complexities and context-specific nature of youth soccer player development and transition. This paper challenges the subjective perceptions of key stakeholders using objective physical data of youth players who have transitioned to advanced squads.

Titanium-Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Alkenes: Mimicking the Reactivity and Reversing the Selectivity Towards Late Transition Metals.

Transition metal-catalyzed ring opening and expansion reactions of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) constitute an atom- and step-economical strategy to construct value-added silicon-containing chemicals. Despite extensive studies, the reaction of SCBs with simple alkenes has only one precedent. Moreover, most reported reactions of SCBs use late transition metals (Pd, Ni, Rh) as catalysts. By contrast, there are no reports of using early transition metals. Herein, we report the first example, to our knowledge, of early-transition-metal-catalyzed reactions of SCBs using earth's second abundant titanium as a catalyst. Notably, orthogonal selectivity was observed. Selective activation of the relatively inert C(sp3)-Si bond was achieved in the case of benzosilacyclobutenes, a selectivity that has rarely been achieved using other metals. Even for silacyclobutanes with C(sp3)-Si bonds only, our titanium system also shows complementary selectivity towards late transition metals to give distinct products. Thus, structurally varied SCBs and alkenes were reacted in our system to afford structurally diverse silicon-containing products that are otherwise difficult to obtain using other transition metals.

Titanium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Alkenes: Mimicking the Reactivity and Reversing the Selectivity Towards Late Transition Metals

AbstractTransition metal‐catalyzed ring opening and expansion reactions of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) constitute an atom‐ and step‐economical strategy to construct value‐added silicon‐containing chemicals. Despite extensive studies, the reaction of SCBs with simple alkenes has only one precedent. Moreover, most reported reactions of SCBs use late transition metals (Pd, Ni, Rh) as catalysts. By contrast, there are no reports of using early transition metals. Herein, we report the first example, to our knowledge, of early‐transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions of SCBs using earth's second abundant titanium as a catalyst. Notably, orthogonal selectivity was observed. Selective activation of the relatively inert C(sp3)−Si bond was achieved in the case of benzosilacyclobutenes, a selectivity that has rarely been achieved using other metals. Even for silacyclobutanes with C(sp3)−Si bonds only, our titanium system also shows complementary selectivity towards late transition metals to give distinct products. Thus, structurally varied SCBs and alkenes were reacted in our system to afford structurally diverse silicon‐containing products that are otherwise difficult to obtain using other transition metals.

International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) workshop on the Fucino paleolake project: the longest continuous terrestrial archive in the MEditerranean recording the last 5 Million years of Earth system history (MEME)

Abstract. During the last 5 million years (Pliocene–Holocene), the Earth climate system has undergone a series of marked changes, including (i) the shift from the Pliocene warm state to the Pleistocene cold state with the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation; (ii) the evolution of the frequency, magnitude, and shape of glacial–interglacial cycles at the Early Middle Pleistocene Transition (∼ 1.25–0.65 Ma); and (iii) the appearance of millennial-scale climate variability. While much of this paleoclimate narrative has been reconstructed from marine records, relatively little is known about the impact of these major changes on terrestrial environments and biodiversity, resulting in a significant gap in the knowledge of a fundamental component of the Earth system. Long, continuous, highly resolved, and chronologically well-constrained terrestrial records are needed to fill this gap, but they are extremely rare. To evaluate the potential of the Fucino Basin, central Italy, for a deep-drilling project in the framework of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP), 42 scientists from 14 countries and 32 institutions met in Gioia dei Marsi, central Italy, on 24–27 October 2023 for the ICDP-supported MEME (the longest continuous terrestrial archive in the MEditerranean recording the last 5 Million years of Earth system history) workshop. The existing information and unpublished data presented and reviewed during the workshop confirmed that the Fucino Basin fulfils all the main requisites for improving our understanding of the mode and tempo of the Plio-Quaternary climatic–environmental evolution in a terrestrial setting at different spatial and temporal scales. Specifically, the combination of the seismic line evidence with geochronological and multi-proxy data for multiple sediment cores consolidated the notion that the Fucino Basin infill (i) is constituted by a sedimentary lacustrine succession continuously spanning at least 3.5 Myr; (ii) has a high sensitivity as a paleo-environmental–paleoclimatic proxy; and (iii) contains a rich tephra record that allows us to obtain an independent, high-resolution timescale based on tephrochronology. Considering the typical half-graben, wedge-shaped geometry of the basin, four different potential drilling targets were identified: MEME-1, located in the middle of the basin, should reach the base of the Quaternary infill at ∼ 500 m depth; MEME-2, located west of MEME-1, has sedimentation rates that are lower, with the base of the Pliocene–Quaternary at ∼ 600 m depth; MEME-3b has the same target as MEME-2 but is located further west, where the base of the Pliocene–Quaternary should be reached at ∼ 300 m; and MEME-3a (∼ 200–300 m depth) is located, for tectonic purposes, on the footwall of the basin master fault. Overall, the MEME workshop sets the basis for widening the research team and defining the scientific perspectives and methodological approaches of the project, from geophysical exploration to the development of an independent chronology and to the acquisition of multi-proxy records, which will contribute to the preparation of the full MEME proposal.

The use of electromagnetic and laser scanning methods at the sites of the Bronze to Early Iron Age transition in the Tura-Pyshma interfluve (Trans-Urals)

The article introduces into scientific discourse the results of reconnaissance studies of the hillfort of Plamya Sibiri 1, located in the Tura-Pyshma interfluve. The hillfort belongs to the Plamya Sibiri complex of sites located on the right bank of the Tura River; it is attributed to the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture and, within the framework of its chronology, is dated to the end of 8th–7th centuries BC. Geophysical survey (electromagnetic and airborne laser scanning) and excavations of one of the structures have been carried out at the site. During the investigation of the Plamya Sibiri 1 hillfort, materials typical for the sites of the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture were obtained. The remains of a partially surveyed building of frame and pillar structure without a pit, which left a hole in the ground of 0.2–0.4 m in diameter and 0.15–0.3 m in depth, were recorded on the mainland. The buil-ding was surrounded by pits-quarries, which served for taking soil for filling walls. No hearth was found within the investigated part of the structure. Fragments of ceramic vessels with an appearance characteristic to the second type of pottery of the Itkul Culture (Iset Culture, according to V.A. Borzunov) were found in the territory of the structure. The radiocarbon date GV-03320 2865 ± 29 BP (non-calibrated), obtained from the charcoal from the remains of the structure, belongs to the turn of the Bronze and Iron Ages. The first results of electromagnetic and laser scanning have also been obtained. The use of LiDAR to search for large, poorly defined in the landscape structures of the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture has shown its high efficiency. The structures (remains of ditches, ramparts and above ground structures) are well traced under the forest canopy, even despite their minimal parameters in terms of relief. Interesting are the results of electromagnetic scanning, first of all, from the methodological point of view, since not only they show certain features of the layout and architecture of the settlement, but also replenish the experience of using this type of devices in alluvial soils. It was possible to determine that this type of research is effective in terms of detecting anomalies characterizing individual elements of residential and fortification structures, which can be recorded at frequencies associated with the upper horizons — no deeper than frequencies of 13 and 12, which have shown to be the most informative. The issues of dating and cultural affiliation of the monuments of this circle require further research.

Transitioning to oral therapy compared to IV in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections pose a significant threat to public health and necessitate substantial healthcare resources. The optimal antimicrobial therapy for these infections remains a subject of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of early transition to oral antimicrobial therapy compared with continued intravenous (IV) therapy in patients with MRSA and MSSA bloodstream infections. Method: A PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis compared the early transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics with continued intravenous therapy in patients with S. aureus infections, utilizing relevant studies from the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from August 2003 to June 2024. Results: This meta-analysis of 11 studies (N = 54–220, primarily male, age: mid-30s to early 70s) revealed a 71.6% higher risk of all-cause mortality for patients transitioned to early oral therapy than for those who continued IV therapy (RR: 1.716; 95% CI: 1.039–2.836; P = 0.035; I2 = 44%). Treatment failure, rehospitalization rates, adverse events, and hospital stay lengths did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Early oral antimicrobial therapy for S. aureus bloodstream infections significantly reduces mortality compared to prolonged intravenous treatment, without increasing the incidence of adverse events or the risk of rehospitalization, suggesting its safety and efficacy as an alternative therapeutic approach; however, further randomized controlled trials are necessary to corroborate these findings.