Lower limb compensation in adult spinal deformity: can we identify different patterns?

International audienceObjective Lower limbs can play a major compensating role for sagittal malalignment; however, little is known about the different types of compensation. This study aimed to identify different patterns of lower limb compensation and to determine which parameters may affect the recruitment of knee flexion versus hip extension. Methods This study included adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with full-body X-rays in erect position from a multicentric prospective database. All parameters were measured at baseline: demographics, clinical scores and radiographic parameters: pelvic parameters, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, T1 pelvic angle (TPA), sacro-femoral angle (SFA), knee flexion angle (KA), ankle dorsi-flexion angle (AA), pelvic shift (PSh), hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) grade. A K-means cluster analysis was conducted to identify patterns of lower limb compensation based on SFA and KA. The optimal number of clusters was determined using the silhouette score. The different parameters were then compared across clusters. Results 871 ASD patients were included, of whom 66.9% were females. Mean age was 62.3±14.6 years, mean BMI was 27.7±5.5 kg.m -2 . Four patterns of lower limb compensations were identified: "No compensators", "Recliners" (mainly hip extension), "Squatters" (mainly knee flexion) and "Mixed compensators" (both)."Mixed" and "Squatters" had significantly larger BMI. The proportion of females was the least in the "Squatters" cluster (47.0%) while it was the highest in the "Recliners" group (79.3%) (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with severe hip OA was the lowest in the "Recliners" (38.5%) while it was the highest in the "Squatters" group (71.9%). Knee OA rate was the highest in the"Squatters" group (72.7%). "Mixed compensators" had the greatest PI-LL mismatch (30.4±20.0°) and "No compensators" the lowest (5.3±21.3°). Pelvic incidence values were the highest in "Recliners" and "Mixed compensators" (59.2±13.1° and 57.0±14.1° respectively). TPA values were the highest in the "Mixed compensators" and the lowest in the "No compensators" (33.3±11.7° versus 16.1±11.5°). The "Squatters" presented the significantly poorest values for disability, frailty, and SRS score. Conclusions Cluster analysis determined four types of lower limb compensation:"Recliners" using only hip extension, "Squatters" using only knee flexion,"Mixed compensators" and "No compensators". Lower limb compensatory mechanisms recruitment is multifactorial and varies with age, sex, BMI, frailty, knee and hip OA, pelvic incidence, and spinal alignment

Euclid: Early Release Observations -- The star-formation history of massive early-type galaxies in the Perseus cluster

International audienceThe Euclid Early Release Observations (ERO) programme targeted the Perseus galaxy cluster in its central region over 0.7deg$^2$. We combined the exceptional image quality and depth of the ERO-Perseus with FUV and NUV observations from GALEX and AstroSat/UVIT, as well as $ugrizHα$ data from MegaCam at the CFHT, to deliver FUV-to-NIR magnitudes of the 87 brightest galaxies within the Perseus cluster. We reconstructed the star-formation history (SFH) of 59 early-type galaxies (ETGs) within the sample, through the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting code CIGALE and state-of-the-art stellar population (SP) models to reproduce the galactic UV emission from hot, old, low-mass stars (i.e. the UV upturn). In addition, for the six most massive ETGs in Perseus [stellar masses $\log_{10}(M_{\ast}/M_{\odot}) \geq 10.3$], we analysed their spatially resolved SP through a radial SED fitting. In agreement with our previous work on Virgo ETGs, we found that (i) the majority of ETGs needs the presence of an UV upturn to explain their FUV emission, with temperatures $\langle T_{\rm UV}\rangle$~33800 K; (ii) ETGs have grown their stellar masses quickly, with SF timescales $Ï\lesssim 1500$ Myr. We found that all ETGs in the sample have formed more than about 30% of their stellar masses at z~5, up to ~100%. At z~5, the stellar masses of the most massive nearby ETGs, which have present-day stellar masses $\log_{10}(M_{\ast}/M_{\odot})\gtrsim 10.8$, are then found to be comparable to those of the red quiescent galaxies observed by JWST at similar redshifts (z>4.6). This study can be extended to ETGs in the 14000 deg$^2$ extragalactic sky that will soon be observed by Euclid, in combination with those from other major upcoming surveys (e.g. Rubin/LSST), and UV observations, to ultimately assess whether the nearby massive ETGs represent the progeny of the massive high-z JWST red quiescent galaxies

Bridging gender gaps in entrepreneurship through diverse learning environments and change tolerance

International audienceThis study explores how diverse learning environments (DLE) influence entrepreneurial intentions and the moderating role of gender. By integrating the theory of planned behaviour with the concept of change tolerance, we examine how DLE characterised by cultural and institutional diversity impact students’ entrepreneurial outcomes. Our findings indicate that immersive DLE enhance participants’ perceived behavioural control, fostering proactive entrepreneurial mindsets among both male and female students. Contrary to traditional research highlighting significant gender differences in entrepreneurial attitudes, our results suggest that inclusive learning contexts can mitigate these disparities. This study contributes to the understanding of gender issues in entrepreneurship by demonstrating how educational environments can promote equality and enhance self-efficacy. The implications for business schools are substantial, as fostering DLE can nurture a diverse pool of entrepreneurs, ultimately driving economic growth and social development within various cultural contexts

Le Liban, une démographie sous contrainte géopolitique

International audienceIn addition to its own crises, Lebanon has always absorbed those of its neighbors. This was particularly the case in 2011 when the Syrian civil war (2011-2024) began, causing several million Syrians to flee their country. They sought refuge mainly in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Lebanon quickly took in more than a million refugees. The sudden and massive arrival of this population could change the demographic characteristics of the country.En plus de ses propres crises, le Liban a toujours absorbé celles de ses voisins. C’est notamment ce qui s’est passé en 2011 lorsque la guerre civile syrienne (2011-2024) a commencé et a conduit plusieurs millions de Syriens à fuir leur pays. C’est principalement en Turquie, en Jordanie et au Liban qu’ils se sont réfugiés. Le Liban en a ainsi rapidement accueilli plus d’un million. L'arrivée aussi soudaine que massive de cette population pourrait changer la donne démographique dans ce pays

Investigating the impact of an occupational therapy approach on occupational participation and engagement of people with disabilities in the Lebanese labor market: A single-case experimental design

International audienceIntroduction: Work inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) is a pivotal area of occupational therapy (OT). National and international legislation underlines the rights and duties of PWD concerning workplace inclusion. Despite legal frameworks promoting PWD rights in employment, significant barriers exist. Few studies have explored OT interventions in this context. This research aims to assess the impact of an OT-based job coaching intervention on PWDs’ participation and engagement in the Lebanese labor market. Method: Using an ABABA design, the study involved 27 sessions applying job coaching principles within an OT framework. Three employed individuals with disabilities, facing workplace challenges, participated. Baseline data included task execution speed and errors. Occupational participation and engagement were measured using the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool. Results: OT-based job coaching effectively enhanced PWD’s participation and engagement, reducing task errors and execution time, thereby addressing some occupational challenges. Conclusion: Based on the outcomes of this study, integrating job coaching with OT approach may improve job performance for PWD. Future research should replicate these findings on a larger scale to validate their applicability in Lebanon and globally

Insights into air pollution at an urban site in the Greater Cairo Megacity : Minor PM2.5 sources with significant health risks

International audienceThis study presents a comprehensive chemical characterization and source apportionment of PM2.5 in the Greater Cairo Area (GCA), one of the world's most polluted megacities. A total of 59 PM2.5 samples were collected continuously and on a 24-h basis during the winter of 2019–2020 at an urban background site and analyzed for a wide range of organic and inorganic species. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify and quantify as many as eleven sources contributing to PM2.5, highlighting the highly complex mixture of aerosols over the GCA. These sources include industrial emissions (coal combustion, lead and copper smelting), vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust emissions, open waste and wood burning, cooking, processed secondary aerosols, transported crustal dust, and mixed regional pollution. Local primary particulate controllable sources dominated elemental health risks, contributing 60% of the total non-cancer risk (NCR:1.7) and 52% of the total cancer risk (CR:2.1 × 10−5), despite representing a much smaller fraction of PM2.5 mass. Industrial emissions, though contributing only ∼12% of PM2.5 mass, were responsible for 37% of elemental NCR and 29% of CR. These findings underscore the need for targeted mitigation strategies addressing the burden of air pollution in GCA

Animal models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Diversity and validity

International audienceAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most widespread neurodevelopmental disorders globally, marked by chronic symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Its multifactorial origin and phenotypic heterogeneity make it a complex condition, and despite substantial research, the precise causes of ADHD remain poorly understood. A significant challenge in advancing ADHD research is the lack of a unified resource that consolidates animal models across different species and considers the diversity of ADHD subtypes and associated coexisting conditions. This lack of standardization of the models delays progress in developing a deeper understanding of the neuronal and molecular mechanisms behind the disorder, which is essential to advance its treatment. This review aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive compilation of available animal models used in ADHD research, accompanied by an evaluation of their validity. It is essential for researchers to have access to a range of models, each selected based on the specific scientific objectives and hypotheses of their studies. The review highlights that an extensive approach to studying ADHD, including its various dimensions and associated conditions, requires the use of multiple animal models. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of assessing the mechanisms and broader effects of current pharmacological treatments while also exploring novel therapeutic possibilities. By providing a clearer and more structured resource, this work pursues to assist researchers in selecting the most appropriate models for their investigations. Additionally, it aims to contribute to the broader understanding of ADHD neurobiology, offering new perspectives for new models and the potential for more targeted therapeutic strategies. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders globally, is marked by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This review evaluates animal models for ADHD and its coexisting conditions, emphasizing the need for diverse models to reflect its complexity. It underscores the importance of selecting appropriate models to address specific research goals and investigates current and potential pharmacological treatments, providing a vital resource for advancing ADHD research and improving therapeutic approaches

Effect of protesting by burning barricades on PM2.5: chemical composition and oxidative potential evaluation

International audienceProtests have become a global phenomenon, with road blockades among the most common methods used to express objection. In many countries, these blockades involve the open burning of materials such as tires, wood, and waste. In this study, PM 2.5 was collected during an active burning protest episode as well as over the subsequent days. PM 2.5 was characterized for the carbonaceous fraction, water-soluble ions, elements, and organic compounds (alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, fatty acids, hopanes, levoglucosan, dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs). The major contributors to PM 2.5 during the burning episode were elemental carbon, organic carbon, and zinc, which collectively accounted for 42% of total PM 2.5 . The chemical profile also revealed a marked increase in combustion-related compounds such as alkanes, PAHs, PCDD/Fs, and DL-PCBs, highlighting the strong influence of open burning emissions on air quality. Oxidative potential (OP) assays showed a clear increase during the burning day, with peak values of 6.6 nmol/min/m 3 for OP-DTT and 5.8 nmol/min/m 3 for OP-AA. While these OP levels were nearly double those of non-burning days, the increase was notably less pronounced compared to the sharp fluctuations observed in chemical tracers and toxic equivalents. The temporal trends also indicated differing sensitivities between the assays, with OP-DTT more closely following OC levels, while OP-AA was more influenced by EC and elemental content. These findings highlight the complex chemical nature of emissions from protest-related burning and underscore the need for non-toxic alternatives to such practices.</div

The Heart’s Hidden Neural Network: Interplay Between Intracardiac Ganglia, Fibrosis and Cardiac Remodeling

International audienceThe heart’s performance relies on its contractile and rhythmic properties, which are modulated not only by extrinsic autonomic inputs but also by the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), a distributed network of intracardiac ganglia and neurons that integrates local sensory, autonomic, and inflammatory signals. Growing evidence indicates that cardiac fibrosis and neuronal remodeling are intertwined processes within this network. This review synthesizes current knowledge on molecular, structural, and functional remodeling of the ICNS to drive neurofibrosis, autonomic imbalance, and arrhythmogenesis. We outline ICNS anatomy and neurochemical diversity, then summarize core fibrotic mechanisms, fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix dynamics, and inflammatory signaling, and map these onto intracardiac ganglia. Across diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and neuroinflammatory states, shared pathways (e.g., IL-6/STAT3, TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, oxidative stress) suppress neuronal excitability, promote neuron–glia–fibroblast coupling, and culminate in neurofibrotic remodeling. We integrate functional data linking these changes to autonomic dysregulation and arrhythmia vulnerability. Future priorities involve constructing detailed human ICNS atlases and applying single-cell and spatial multi-omics to better characterize intracardiac neurons, their circuitry, and their interactions with fibroblasts and immune cells. These insights will be essential to inform targeted neuromodulation and anti-fibrotic interventions. The ICNS is a dynamic regulatory hub whose cells and circuits participate directly in cardiac fibrosis and electrical instability. Recognizing neurofibrosis as a companion process to myocardial fibrosis reframes therapeutic strategy toward preserving both neural and myocardial integrity

Multi-material topology optimization of structural load-bearing capacity using limit analysis

International audienceWe extend the problem of finding an optimal structure with maximum load-bearing capacity to the case of multiple materials. We first consider a reinforcement optimization case where the structure consists of a fixed background matrix material with given strength properties and optimize the reinforcement topology within this material. We discuss the use of various isotropic and anisotropic strength criteria to model the reinforcing phase, including reinforcements with discrete orientations. In a second time, we investigate a bi-material formulation where we optimize the topology of two material phases simultaneously. Various choices for the material strength conditions are proposed and we apply this formulation to the optimization of pure tensile and compressive phases of a single material. In all cases, two optimization variants are proposed using concepts of convex optimization and limit analysis theory, namely maximizing the load-bearing capacity under a fixed volume constraint or minimizing the volume under a fixed loading. Both problems are convex and a penalization procedure is proposed. The underlying problems can be solved using conic programming solvers. Illustrative applications demonstrate the versatility of the proposed formulation, including the influence of the selected strength criteria, the possibility to obtain structures with members of fixed orientation or structures with different importance granted to tensile and compressive regions. Finally, we also draw a parallel with the generation of strut-and-tie models for the analysis of reinforced concrete structures